Since 2019, the number of Black History Month (October) events has doubled on events marketplace Eventbrite, which hosts everything from film screenings and walking tours to gospel concerts and craft classes to help people celebrate.
Manchester comes fourth in the top 10 cities for hosting the most Black History Month events in the UK from 2019 to 2024, beaten by London, Birmingham and, Nottingham..
Many Black History Month events focus on education and empowerment with a focus on history, culture and achievement, and there is also a strong emphasis on celebrating black culture through food, art, music, art and literature.
In Manchester, Trafford Libraries are hosting a series of Black History Month Creative Writing and Family Craft events in which the lives of influential Black figures from Trafford will be celebrated through storytelling and hands-on-craft activities. These events, suitable for all ages, are organised by local organisation Mindseta, a Manchester-based organisation championing cultural transformation.
Mindseta are also behind the Reel Talk film screenings at Ducie Street Warehouse. Reel Talk is an inspiring series of films created by or featuring Black actors and directors designed to spark meaningful conversations and discussions during Black History Month. October 14 is The Colour Purple. If you haven’t seen this 1986 classic, it’s well worth a watch.
Or Mancunians can take part in an African Upcycling Workshop at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre on Sunday October 13 from 1-4pm. Sustainable fashion designer Valery sources kaftan, maxi and A-line dress fabric from the Black African community across Manchester, and recycles them into tops, blouses or skirts suited to the British weather, giving them another life whilst celebrating African culture.
Those looking for a fun night out could head to the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club in Oldham on Sunday October 20 for the COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special. Prepare for some rip-roaring, back-slapping belly laughs from the comedic talents of Prince Abdi, Kat B, Kyrah Gray and Limahl Germain.
One final event of note is Auto Trader’s Black History Month Celebration: Reclaiming the Narrative event at HOME, Manchester on October 15. This event promises to spotlight the stories, contributions and influence of Black voices in shaping industries and communities across the UK. Expect an exploration of representation, identity and community empowerment in this three-hour event.
“Since 2019, more than 250,000 people have attended more than 4,000 Black History Month events in the UK on Eventbrite. However you choose to take part in Black History Month – whether it’s literature, crafting, music, film or wellbeing – there’s bound to be an event at which you can celebrate the rich black culture in the UK,” says Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert
