Liverpool is preparing for a month of cultural events, educational programmes, and community activities throughout October to mark Black History Month 2025. The city-wide schedule includes festivals, workshops, historical tours, and discussions designed to celebrate Black heritage and address important historical and contemporary issues.
Events will take place at some of Liverpool's most prominent venues, including the Everyman Theatre and the African and Caribbean Centre, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to engage with and learn about Black culture and history.
Key Takeaways
- A diverse range of events is scheduled across Liverpool for Black History Month in October 2025.
- Activities include the award-winning BlackFest festival, educational workshops, and historical walking tours.
- Key themes explored are artistic expression, community health, and Liverpool's links to the transatlantic slave trade.
- Many events are free to attend, promoting accessibility for all members of the community.
Major Festivals and Live Performances
The month features significant cultural festivals and performance nights that showcase the talent of Black and minority artists. These events provide a platform for music, poetry, and theatre, celebrating contemporary creative expression.
BlackFest 2025 Arts Festival
The award-winning BlackFest is a cornerstone of the month's celebrations. The festival, which has already begun, will continue until the end of October. It is designed to amplify the voices and talents of Black and minority artists from under-represented backgrounds. The programme is spread across several major city venues and includes a wide array of disciplines.
- Music and Poetry Showcases: Live performances from emerging and established artists.
- Theatre Productions: New works and celebrated plays will be staged.
- Fashion Fest Finale: A culminating event held in collaboration with AfroFashionUK to showcase design talent.
More Than Words Open Mic Night
On Thursday, 2nd October, the Everyman Theatre will host a special Black History Month edition of 'More Than Words'. The event, hosted by Brodie Arthur and Leah Watson, will feature a panel discussion and an open mic session. It provides a stage for local performers to share their work. Confirmed artists include PaisleighB, Layla, Cop Dat, Tash, Claire Beej & Tova. The evening will also feature special guest panellist and performer Jason McClean, also known as ‘2badda’.
Community Engagement and Workshops
Several ongoing workshops and group sessions are planned, offering creative and supportive spaces for the community. These events focus on writing, dance, and health, encouraging participation and collaboration.
The Gathering Pen Writers' Group
For aspiring writers, The Gathering Pen offers a supportive environment for people of the global majority in Liverpool. The group aims to empower individuals to write and share stories inspired by the city's diverse culture. Meetings are held every Thursday evening from 6 pm to 9 pm and will continue until 20th November. The programme includes a sharing event where writers can perform their work for the community.
Dancing Queens Dance Sessions
Every Thursday from 7 pm to 8 pm, the Black Women’s Health Forum hosts 'Dancing Queens' at the African and Caribbean Centre. These free dance sessions are funded by Cllr Lucille Harvey and are open to everyone. No pre-booking is required, as registration can be completed on the day. While the sessions are free, donations are welcomed to support women in need within the city region. In an exciting collaboration, the group will also participate in the Katumba Halloween Carnival Parade. The sessions are scheduled to run until 28th May 2025.
Educational Programmes and Historical Insight
A significant part of Black History Month is dedicated to education and reflection. Events this year include a powerful exhibition on maternal health and a webinar discussing the legacies of slavery.
Black Maternal Health Exhibition
Collective Encounters is hosting an exhibition featuring previously unseen creative material from Culture Liverpool’s Black Maternal Health Project. The work explores themes of migration through the specific lens of Black maternal health. In collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University, the project draws a direct line between historical research into enslaved midwives in the 19th century and the current disparities in maternal mortality rates between Black women and other racial groups. The exhibition also includes the 'Hey Mama' leaflet, offering peer-informed support for Black women on maternity wards. Visitors will have the opportunity to sign up for the Black Maternal Health Group to discuss future solutions.
The African Diaspora Online Seminar
On Wednesday, 1st October, an online seminar titled 'The African Diaspora: Intellectual and Artistic Responses to Slavery and its Legacies' will take place. This is the second webinar in the 'Legacies of Enslavement: Transatlantic Dialogues on History and Justice' series. The event will feature a discussion between three experts from the UK and the US. They will explore how contemporary and modern figures have responded intellectually and artistically to the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
Exploring Liverpool's Past
Understanding Liverpool's direct role in the transatlantic slave trade is a key component of Black History Month. A guided walking tour will provide a direct and immersive way to learn about this complex history.
Liverpool's Historical Context
Liverpool was a major port in the transatlantic slave trade during the 18th century. The city's wealth was significantly built on this trade, and its legacy is still visible in the architecture and street names of the city centre. Acknowledging this history is a vital part of understanding the city's development.
Liverpool and Slavery Walking Tour
Scheduled for Saturday, 4th October, this walking tour offers a detailed exploration of Liverpool's connections to the slave trade. Developed from the Dorothy Kuya Archive Project in collaboration with National Museums Liverpool, the tour guides participants through sites and streets with direct links to this history. Discussions will cover the depth of the city's involvement and the lasting impact long after its abolition in Britain. The tour begins at The Pump House, proceeds through the L1 and L2 districts, and concludes at Liverpool Town Hall. This event provides a powerful opportunity to confront the city's past on the very streets where it unfolded.