Here’s our guide to the best way to keep yourselves busy with the best gigs, talks, shows and events, all across the UK…
2nd – 13th Oct: BFI London Film Festival (London)
To all the fanatics, fans, and lovers of film, your time has come as the country’s biggest annual festival dedicated to film is back! Partnered with American Express, London Film Festival seeks to appreciate and promote a variety of productions for all to enjoy. Featured films include The Last Black Man in San Francisco, starring Danny Glover, Jimmie Fails & Tichina Arnold; Just Mercy, with Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, and Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in long-awaited biopic, Harriet. whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff
12th: Black Girl Festival 2019 (London)
This month sees the return of the foremost celebration of Black women, girls and non-binary people in the UK – it’s Black Girl Festival, bigger and better for its third annual celebration. With their theme being ‘taking up space’, the event aspires to break down societal barriers and create more, if not, new seats at the table. Inclusivity is what this event intends to promote and provide with its masterclasses, marketplace, exhibitions, live performances, screenings and more, as the main focus is to encourage Black female empowerment for us, from us. Co-founders Paula Akpan and Nicole Crentsil, hats off to you! blackgirlfest.com
20th October: Freedom: The Black History Experience (Birmingham)
Proudly honouring Black History Month and ready to entertain all the family is Freedom: The Black History Experience. With a showcase of live performances including musicians, poets, dancers, singers and public speakers – this event will not fail to keep you engaged, fist raised in the air, and prouder to be Black. As the essence of freedom courses through the air, it explores the painful past of our ancestors, while aiming to empower through knowledge and self-appreciation. Grab a ticket for a perfect way to celebrate Black History Month. bit.ly/2m2ROnc
From 20th October: Lenny Henry tour (Various cities)
With over 40 years in the comedy business and an illustrious career spanning stage, film and TV, Lenny Henry has nothing left to prove. A pioneer of British comedy, and a beacon of Black British entertainment, there are few who aren’t aware of his impact – which makes the title of his tour, ‘Who Am I, Again?’ all the more ironic! For all the Henry fans out there who have been patiently awaiting his return to his comic roots, join him on his UK tour where he indulges into both the good and bad of his past during a jam session which will entice, enlighten, and truly connect with the audience. Kicking off in Birmingham on 20th October, the tour travels the country (including Hackney Empire on 8th November) before concluding in Stoke on 29th November. lennyhenryontour.net
25th October: The Biggest Black History Month Comedy Show (London)
For family-friendly laughs and chuckles, entertainment and food, this Black history month themed comedy show aims to provide smiles all round while appreciating its love for black people through fun. Labelled as a great night out and available for those as young as 12+ to attend, there are few better ways to end this month of Black appreciation. bit.ly/2kUUMKi
25th – 27th Oct: BluesFest 2019 (02 Arena, London)
Blues, jazz and soul lovers, look no further: BluesFest is on its way to take over London’s O2 Arena and have everyone vibing and swaying. Headlining this year is international star and EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner John Legend, along with performances from Raphael Saadiq and Rickie Lee Jones – be prepared for some vocal stylings that’ll leave you with goosebumps. bluesfest.co.uk
