A selection of Black History Month events are taking place across the capital, recognising and celebrating the rich history of London’s African and Caribbean communities and their contribution to the city’s heritage.

Celebrating Black History Month
A varied range of events and exhibitions are taking place at venues throughout London during Black History Month 2008, with everything from exhibitions and live music to educational events and discussions on the menu. Events and exhibitions will be held throughout the season in various locations around London, with plenty to see and do for visitors.

Highlight events
Highlight events include a debate on the Windrush and its relevance today, taking place at City Hall on Friday 24th October. Another debate will feature a panel of music experts, promising an insightful look into black music culture in London from the 50s to the present day. Other highlights include exhibitions and historical tours.

Black History Month 2008
Taking place during October, Black History Month 2008 forms a key part of Black History Season as a whole. First celebrated in the UK in 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year, Black History Month has become a main feature of London’s multicultural calendar, inviting Londoners of all ethnic backgrounds to learn more about black history and celebrate a vibrant, rich culture.

Black History Month at City Hall
City Hall is one of the main locations for events that are part of the 2008 Black History Month calendar. Including an exhibition that looks at the contribution from black men and women in the military over the last 200 years, and representations of black culture in films from the forties to the present day, City Hall has exciting, inspiring and intriguing events for all.

Black heritage tours
A selection of free river tours and walking tours are taking place as part of Black History Month, inviting Londoners of all ages to discover black history with expert guidance along the way. Walking tours take place from Westminster tube to Covent Garden, and take place at 11am on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th October. The river tour takes place on Saturday 25th October and leaves from Tate Pier. Tours are free to attend, but places must be booked in advance on 020 8539 7913.

Empire Windrush
2008 celebrates the 60th anniiversary of the Empire Windrush, the ship which bought hundreds of black people to live in London for the very first time. Exhibitions, talks and special debates all look at the ways in which this one vessel changed the history of London forever.

Black History Season is ongoing throughout October 2008, culminating in Black History Scholar Day. Londoners can take a trip into black history during five months of events, exclusive to the capital.

For further information on Black History Season events and Black History Month 2008, click on the link below.

Black History Month Official Site

Other London events

Bonfire Night London

Fireworks Display in London

London Jazz Festival

London Jazz Festival Events

Darwin Exhibition London

Lord Mayors Show London

Spooky Sleepover at London Bridge Experience

Battle of Ideas London Debate

Half Term London Events and Activities

Fireworks Displays in London 5th November

London to Brighton Car Run

BBC Good Food Show

Womens March London

Halloween London Events

House of Masquerade