Black History Month in the UK is just around the corner. It’s an annual month-long event which aims to raise awareness about the often overlooked or underrepresented aspects of Black history, culture and heritage.
During Black History Month, various events, exhibitions, performances, films, workshops, and educational activities and more are organised across the UK inviting everyone, to learn, appreciate, and engage with the rich and diverse heritage of Black Britons.
Visit the links below for events that are happening in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London.
For the latest news throughout the month follow #BHMUK #BHM2023 on social media. You’ll be able to learn about women who made an impact in Black British history in this year’s theme ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and the #WEMATTER movement.
If your school or education facility would like information and resources, please visit: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
BOOKMARK ME – Keep and eye on this list for updates 07/10/2023
Curate A Case: I Am Home
– | 11am – 5pm (Closed on Fridays and Saturdays)
Location: Wardown House, Museum and Galler, Luton LU2 7HA
A descendant of slaves and of scandal, a child of the islands of Antigua and Barbuda and the islands of St Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, of both African and Caribbean descent and born in England. ‘I am Home’ explores Debra Knight’s journey through the other side of slavery to the ancient Caribbean through the stories passed down to her through generations of Oral History.
FREE (Donations welcome)
Journey Through Life
– | Fridays and Saturday 10am – 4:30pm
Location: Loweswood Museum, High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH
The exhibition is brought to life by our community curators Patsy and Ruth, and other members of the community who volunteered their stories.
Visit to see their memories and artefacts.
FREE (Donations welcome)
Join Watford African Caribbean Association for their Black History Month Line up
1 – 31 October 2023 (Various Times)
Location: Various Venues & Online
Film Screenings, Discussions, 50+ Activity Club, Quiz, Workshops for Children, Parents Forum and Writers Group.
Please see the poster for more details
For more information click here
An Evening With… Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE
Tuesday 3 October | 6pm
Location: Online
The University of Bedfordshire is pleased to announce campaigner and social justice advocate Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE as host of their ‘An Evening With’ public lecture, delivering a talk titled ‘A Legacy of Hope and Change‘
FREE (Virtual Viewing Ticket)
Hair & Self-Esteem Workshop (BHM 2023)
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 October 2023 | 3pm – 5pm
Location: Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service E17 8QR
This workshops covers all the fundamentals of caring for Afro textured hair. Your questions on what to put on Afro-textured hair, how often to wash it, how to comb and detangle without pain and tears, etc. will all be answered. It is a safe space for all those awkward questions you might have about Afro hair but had nowhere and no one to ask.
FREE TO ATTEND: Hair and Self-Esteem Workshop Ticket
Afro Carib Culture Fest
Saturday 7 October 2023 | 10am – 4pm
Location: Hitchin Market Place, Hitchin, SG51DT
The Hitchin BID Team will be kicking off the Black History Month Celebrations this year in North Herts with AFRO Carib Fest!!
They’ll be Black owned independent businesses, live performances, a picture trail and a DJ
One love 
FREE TO ATTEND
North Herts African and Caribbean Community Black History Month Events
7 – 27 October 2023 | Various Times
Location: North Hertfordshire (Various locations)
Join the North Herts African and Caribbean Community for their Black History Month workshops and activities!
FREE TO ATTEND
Harlow’s Black History Multicultural Festival
Saturday 7 October 2023 | 11am – 5pm
Location: Bandstand Park Lane, Harlow CM20 2QQ
Over in Harlow, the PATACC are holding their popular multicultural festival with a rich line-up of activities, local performers food, art, dancing from the Cultural Academy and much more.
FREE TO ATTEND
Welwyn Hatfield Black History Month 2023
Thursday 12 October 2023 | 12pm – 3pm
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council will be celebrating Black History Month
Location: Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
We welcome everyone to come and join us for the celebrations.
This event will include live performers, stallholders, food, artwork from local residents and guest speakers.
FREE TO ATTEND
Real Talk With Simply Deez Special Screening – Barrel Children + Q&A
Thursday 12 October 2023 | 7pm (3 hrs)
Location: The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 – 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY
A stellar debut film from award-winning journalist Nadine White, Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind peels back the layered tales of Caribbean youngsters who grew up away from their parents before migrating to join them in Britain.
Axel Blake: In Style
Saturday 14 October 2023 | 7:30pm
Location: Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ
Golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent winner Axel Blake’s observational comedy comes to Watford.
Age guidance: 16+ | Run-time: 1st half 30 minutes
Ballet Black: Pioneers
Tuesday 17 October | 7:30pm
Location: Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ
The first piece is Will Tuckett’s Then Or Now, originally created in 2020 and blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we each belong?
The second piece is by award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November’s Nina: By Whatever Means, is inspired by the artistry and activism of Nina Simone.
Age suitability: 7+ | Run-time: 94 mins
Luton Black Culture Business Market
Saturday 21 October | 2pm – 3pm
Location: The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 – 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY
Celebrating Black Culture; An inspiring showcase of carefully curated black businesses brought to you in collaboration with Simply Deez Events CIC.
FREE TO ATTEND
Black History Month Performance
Saturday 21 October | 2pm – 3pm
Location: Letchworth Garden City Town Centre
‘Dance with me’
Join us for music, dance, and more!
Head over to @blackvoiceletchworth on Facebook for more information
FREE TO ATTEND
Elstree & Borehamwood Diversity Festival
Saturday 21 October 10 – 8pm & Sunday 22 October 2023 | 10am – 5pm
Location: Allum Hall, 2 Allum Ln, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6
Two days full of fun and activities
Drumming workshop, laughing therapy, stall holders, food, African dancing and music plus more…
FREE TO ATTEND
CHEXS Black History Month Community Event
Tuesday 24 October 2023 | 1:45pm – 4:15 pm
Location: Cedars Park, Theobalds Ln, Waltham Cross EN8 8RX
There will be some tasty Caribbean Cuisine, Arts and Crafts for children to enjoy and opportunities for children to learn and read about historical black figures.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
FREE TO ATTEND
Kickoff @3 5 Aside Chess
Friday 27 October 2023 | 1pm – 4pm
Location: Townsend Bowls and Tennis Club, 8 Waverly Road, St. Albans AL3 5PA
A Partnership and warm friendship with 5 A Side Chess to leave a lasting legacy, bringing BLACK and WHITE together in UNITY.
Come along and play with both young and elders and find out more about the 5 A side Chess programmes and the after school Role Model Club.
Enjoy delicious West Indian Food and Music Entertainment.
FREE TO ATTEND
The Black British Book Festival
Friday 27 & Saturday 28 October 2023 | 11am – 4pm
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Champion emerging talent, hear from leading voices and discover your new favourite Black authors at this family festival that aims to banish barriers to entry
FREE TO ATTEND
Black History Month Pop-Up Market
Saturday 28 October 10am – 4pm
Sunday 29 October 11am – 4pm
Location: Unit 26, The Galleria, Hatfield AL10 9GT 0XR
Celebrating diversity, black culture and championing unity
Join us and meet a diverse network of businesses, participate in workshops and enjoy delicious food.
Don’t forget to bring a bag, there’ll be plenty to buy
Enquiries: media@whcvs.org.uk
FREE TO ATTEND
Sharing Stories: A Black History Month Showcase
Saturday 28 October 2023 | 7pm – 10pm
Location: Brady Arts Theatre, Hanbury Street London E1 5JD
In partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, Sharing Stories seeks to honour the creative achievements and narratives of emerging young Black artists, showcasing the rich diversity and talent within the Black Community.
Come be inspired by the voices and visions that shape our cultural landscape, whilst also paying tribute to renowned black figures who’ve paved the way.
BIG Gospel Choir
Saturday 28 October 2023 | 7pm (2 hrs)
Location: The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 – 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY
An exciting Black History month celebration of Gospel and inspirational music of Black origin. A joyous celebration that will to touch your heart from the spirituals to today – come on a musical journey with us!
The Alkebulan Festival – Black History Month Craft/Music/Food
Sunday 29 October 2023 | 11am – 4pm
Location: Sun Street Hitchin SG5 1AF
A celebration of History, Culture and Creativity of African origin.
Stalls, Music, Food and more!
Bring the family and friends to enjoy and support businesses of the African Diaspora.
FREE TO ATTEND