Black History Month: What’s on in Liverpool

Black History Month

As we head into October, we look to Black History Month, and the Liverpool Guild of Students have compiled some of the best local events, music and exhibitions taking place across the city.

The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ which aims to ‘take control of our stories, celebrate our heritage, and ensure our voices are heard.’

Writing on the Wall Programme, dates throughout October 

Writing on the Wall are back with a whole range of events across the city. From walking tours to film screenings, there’s plenty to get involved with.

Inspirational Black Scousers Guided Tour , Museum of Liverpool, dates throughout October 

Learn the stories of some of the influential people who have connections to our city. Take this opportunity to listen to the expert guides in this free tour running throughout the month.

Liverpool Literary Festival – Levi Tarafi, Eleanor Rathbone Building, 5 October 

As part of the University of Liverpool’s Literary Festival, Liverpool poet Levi Tarafi will take the stage. Describing himself as a ‘crucial, rhythmic, poetic, consciousness raiser and urban griot’, this is your chance to watch him perform in the heart of campus.

Lady Nade sings Nina Simone, Liverpool Philharmonic, 11 October 

Award-winning singer Lady Nade has often been compared to trailblazer Nina Simone. Head to the beautiful Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for an evening of soulful music that blends jazz, gospel, blues and folk music.

Endless Crescendo with Heather Tomlinson (as part of BlackFest), The Capstone Theatre, 17 October 

Join the talented Heather Tomlinson for her one-woman and choir show. Described as a ‘poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of navigating the intersectionality of race and heritage’, this is a performance not to be missed.

Rethinking Relationships Discover Day, World Museum, 19 October 

Explore the World Museum’s collection of Nigerian art and architecture with expert insight on the pieces. Get an exclusive look at objects often in storage on this one day only, free event.

Sustainable Cooking – Land and Cultivation (as part of BlackFest), Sefton Park Palm House, 24 October 

Join award-winning chef Michelle Odwyer for a day of learning new recipes, hearing about the history of people’s connection to the land and the importance of food growing. Read more about Michelle and then Bay Tree Cookery Academy here

Emergence as Empowerment, Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, 25 October

This event will include a live conversation, a screening of the documentary Delado: Rising from the Ashes and a Q&A session. The documentary delves into the tension of Liverpool 8 following the Toxteth riots in 1981, when local underdogs emerged as a performance collective under the wing of Ghanaian performance teachers.

This event is in partnership with National Museums Liverpool and supported by the LADFN (Liverpool African Diasporic Filmmakers Network).

Fashion Fest Finale (as part of BlackFest), Future Yard CIC, 30 October 

Head over the water for the closing ceremony of BlackFest. Expect local and national designers, models, poets and musicians in this celebration of creativity, community and culture.

Learn more about the Guild’s More Than a Month campaign here.