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Discover cultural events celebrating Black communities, culture and history during Black History Month 2026 in London, throughout October and beyond.
What's on during Black History Month 2026?
Discover the lineup of Black History Month activities including insightful talks, foodie events and celebrations of music and culture across the capital. This year's highlights include:
- Black Eats Festival – Head down to Hackney Bridge to discover an array of Black-owned food and lifestyle businesses. (3-4 October)
- Black British Book Festival at the Barbican Centre – Enjoy panel discussions, workshops, poetry readings and an enormous Black Book Marketplace during Europe's largest celebration of Black literature. (4 October)
- Black Culture Market in Lambeth – Browse homeware, art, books, jewellery and fashion at this lively pop-up marketplace. (10-11 October)
- Black British Ballet: A History – Led by academic and former professional dancer Dr Sandie Bourne, this talk at Richmond Lending Library delves into the untold stories of pioneering Black dancers. (13 October at 6.30pm)
- Black British Folk Takeover at Cecil Sharp House – Expect workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and live music at this all-day event. (17 Oct)
Find more Black History Month events in London and online.
Learn about Black history all year round
London celebrates and appreciates Black culture and communities with exhibitions, walks and landmarks all year round.
- Celebrate the contribution Black people have made to the city with the Black History Tube map, from TfL and the Black Cultural Archives.
- Head to the London Museum Docklands to sharpen your knowledge about the impact of the trade of sugar and enslaved Africans, through the London, Sugar and Slavery exhibition.
- Choose guided tours by Black History Walks around the capital, all uncovering more than 3,500 years of London's Black history.
- You can also join an educational movie screening each month to widen your horizons.
- Go on a search for the Blue Plaques and Nubian Jak plaques, which commemorate Black members of the community who left a powerful footprint on London and the world.
- Seek out the Gilt of Cain sculpture in the City of London, which marks the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807.
- Keep up to date with news and campaigns, and learn how you can be a better ally with London-based educational charity, the Institute of Race Relations.
- Support Black-owned businesses across London! Stock up on top-quality chocolates from Dark Sugars or enjoy a juice from Get Juiced! Bar in Tooting.
- And pick up a book on the topic from New Beacon Books, which was the first Black publisher in the UK, founded in 1966.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black communities and the remembrance of Black history across the world. In the UK, Black History Month takes place throughout October.
First celebrated in the UK in 1987, the month-long festival includes educational events, exhibitions, shows, talks, memorial services and installations across London that raise awareness of history and celebrate traditions, customs and cultures.