Going Out: 8 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month In London 2026

Every October, Black History Month recognises the achievements, talent and impact of the African diaspora, remembering important people and events in our nation’s Black history. Originating in the US in 1926, the month-long celebration has been observed here in the UK every year since 1987  – although in October as opposed to February across the Atlantic (learn more about the history here). Here are eight ways to get involved in London this year.

Visit Black Culture Market

The Black Culture Market returns with another pop-up event celebrating the vibrancy of African and Caribbean culture and commerce. Supporting emerging entrepreneurs and new black businesses, the market promises everything from food and cakes, to art, skincare, jewellery and clothes.

Details: Saturday 10 October – Sunday 11 October from 12pm-5pm in Lambeth Town Hall. Book your free ticket at eventbrite.co.uk

Listen To The Black British Ballet Talk

With its pink tights and pink shoes, ballet has historically centred white dancers at the fore. Hosted by Richmond Library, this talk by former ballet dancer turned academic Dr Sandie Bourne explores the untold stories of Black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day. Drawing on her research, she reveals the lives of pioneering dancers who challenged discrimination, broke barriers, and transformed the art form. 

Details: Tuesday 13 October, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Richmond Library. Book your free ticket at richmond.gov.uk

Attend The Black British Folk Takeover

Following its inaugural event last autumn, the English Folk Dance & Song Society returns with its Black British Folk Takeover. With song, music, storytelling and more from British Folkies of the African Diaspora, in collaboration with the Black British Folk Collective, this festival-style all-dayer includes traditional folk sounds, modern British music inspired by folk traditions, workshops, live conversation and much more. Evening-only tickets are also available. 

Details: Saturday 17 October, 2:15pm-10:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. Tickets from £12.59. Book at efdss.org

The V&A East Museum is the latest addition to the V&A’s roster.

Book The Music is Black: A British Story 

The V&A East’s first major temporary exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story is an immersive 125-year sound and visual journey of Black British music. Spanning four continents, alongside 120 tracks, historical stagewear, and artifacts, the exhibition is bolstered by a series of in-person events. More than an exhibition, this immersive sound experience celebrates the power and impact of Black British music. 

Details: On until Sunday 10 January 2027 at the V&A East Museum. Book now at vam.ac.uk. Discover more museums celebrating Black History Month at artfund.org

Watch The Story

Written by American playwright and TV writer Tracye Scott Wilson, this seminal newsroom boasts BAFTA Award-winner Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Ashley Thomas (Hostage), Lorraine Toussaint (Orange is the New Black), and Wilf Scolding (Cabaret) among its cast. The play tells the story of a white teacher who is killed in a black neighbourhood. Four journalists race to get the headline,at any cost, but when new evidence pulls them into the case, they are each forced to confront what they’re prepared to risk to tell their version of the truth.

Details: Running until 24 October 2026 at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre. Book now at nationaltheatre.org.uk

Go On A Black History Walking Tour 

History is all around us – especially on the storied streets of London. This month, take yourself on a self-guided tour using Black History Walk’s catalogue of walking routes, or book yourself into an expert-led survey of the capital. Alongside black-focused tours of the Wallace Collection and Tate Britain, this month’s agenda features Harlem in Mayfair at 11am on 25 October – an interactive walking tour of the hidden African/Caribbean history in London’s bougiest borough. 

Details: Discover self-guided tours at blackhistorywalks.co.uk or book events at eventbrite.co.uk

Chishuru

Eat At A Black-Owned Restaurant

If there’s one thing the British are bad at, it’s seasoning. For a more flavourful punch, check out London’s plethora of Black-owned restaurants this October. Favourites include Chishuru – a West African restaurant in Fitzrovia led by chef Adejoké Bakare, who made history as the first Black woman in the UK to win a Michelin star – plus Akoko and the two-Michelin starred Ikoyi.

Details: Discover a complete directory of black-owned restaurants at blackeatsldn.com

Buy From A Black-Owned Bookshop

We all know it’s better to buy independent, but this month make an effort to buy Black-owned as well. Founded in 1966 by John La Rose and Sarah White, New Beacon Books in Finsbury Park is the UK’s first and longest-standing Black publisher and specialist bookshop, focusing on literature, history, and cultural studies from the African, Caribbean, and Black British experience.

Details: Visit at 76 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3EN

Find more ways to get involved at blackhistorymonth.org.uk