Things to do during UK Black History Month 2025 in London
- Vera B
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Black History Month UK kicks off on 1st October 2025, celebrating the achievements, creativity, and cultural contributions of Black Britons. London is brimming with exhibitions, performances, talks, and cultural experiences all month long. Here's our guide to the best events to explore this October.
Exhibitions & Talks
Tapestry of Black Britons • 8 - 19 October
The exhibition features a series of tapestry panels exploring African and Caribbean contributions to Britain from Romans onwards. It has been travelling around the UK and hits London for UK Black History Month and hosted at the Fulham Palace.
London Museum Docklands • 1 - 31 October
The London Museum Docklands is hosting several free talks throughout October exploring Black people’s presence in the UK including People of African heritage in Georgian London and Windrush & the NHS: A nurse called Ruby.
Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots • 17 October 2026 – 4 January 2026
Somerset House hosts a landmark exhibition celebrating Jennie Baptiste, a defining voice in British photography – capturing the sound, style, and spirit of Black British youth culture from the 1990s to today.
Classically Black • Saturday 18 October
Classically Black is a groundbreaking live series by Black Lives in Music celebrating the brilliance of Black classical musicians and composers. Taking place on Friday 10 October 2025 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and Saturday 18 October 2025 at Kings Place, London, the concerts bring together world-class talent across orchestral, operatic, and chamber music, featuring Laura Mvula with the CBSO in Birmingham. Through storytelling, mentorship, and performance, Classically Black honours heritage, amplifies representation, and redefines classical music.
Black and British at The Outernet • 1 - 31 October
A multimedia celebration of Black British culture through art, music, and storytelling.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2025 • 16 - 19 October
Somerset House exhibition featuring over 100 contemporary African artists.
Black History Walks & Tours
Walks and Tours • 1 - 19 October
You can explore London’s hidden Black history by bus, steam train, canal cruise, and even by helicopter throughout October with Black History Walks.
Performances & Festivals
Young, Gifted & Black 2025 • 2 October - 2 November 2025
Celebrating emerging Black British talent in theatre, spoken word, and music.
Black British Book Festival 2025
Annual celebration of Black British literature with talks, panels, and workshops.
Caribbean Dance Classes
Learn dances & rhythms of the Caribbean in these open-level community dance classes. No experience needed, bring your energy & vibes
Plan Your Black History Month 2025
With so many events spanning art, literature, music, and history, London is the perfect place to celebrate Black culture this October. Whether you want to explore heritage on foot, attend a talk, see an exhibition, or enjoy a live performance, there’s something for everyone.
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