Dalston Black History Walk
In association with the Hackney History Festival, the Dalston Black History Walk covers almost 8 decades of history from the arrival of the SS Windrush from the Caribbean. The tour will cover music, the Black British Civil Rights movement, Gentrification, Education, Race Relations and rise of the Black Church.
Ticket price: £15.
For more information and how to book, visit Eventbrite.
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries in Person Writing Group for QTIBiPoC
Shaded Writers welcome Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTIBiPOC) to a writing group for and facilitated by QTIBiPOC supported by Hackney Libraries. It is hybrid; the virtual component delivered via zoom.
Book virtual event: Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries Online Writing Group for QTIBiPoC Tickets
A mix of creative prompts and mindfulness will be offered. A moment to pause, reflect and create. Bring your favourite beverage/snacks and your coloured pens or your picture making equipment. Bring your pen and paper, lappy, phone - however you create. Come ready to write/draw/doodle/journal (as you choose), free and to prompts, to and for yourself. Come to enjoy the ambience of being in community. There is no expectation you should share, though you are welcome to.
It is suitable for writers at any level and non-writers wishing to engage creatively.
It will be held as gentle space of invitation and relaxation and finding your own level of participation, no judgement, no pressure. There is no obligation to put your camera or audio on if joining via zoom. It is held as safe(r) space and will not be recorded. Hackney Libraries may request pictures taken only with your expressed consent. The pictures may appear on social media and in promotional material for the writing group (flyer/ website/newsletter). We try to never out anyone.
For more information and how to reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.
World Comedy Clash 2025
12 Comedians, 11 Countries, 1 Stage. Which country will take the crown?
The original and longest running comedy clash show returns with its annual extravaganza, with an all-star line up of the biggest and best comedians you will see on one show.
Full line up:
White Yardie (Jamaica)
Kojo Anim (Ghana)
Thenjiwe (South Africa)
Quincy (Barbados)
Toju (Nigeria)
Junior Booker (Guyana)
Dana Alexander (Canada)
Jason Patterson (St Vincent)
Kazeem Jamal (Antigua)
Wilson Milton (England)
Limahl Gernmain (Dominica)
Richard Blackwood (Host)
Presented by Comedy Events UK.
For more information and book, go to Hackney Empire.
Sponsored Walk/Wheelchair
Support the Uprising Community Club and their seniors as they walk to raise funds for the community outreach. There will be refreshments and entertainment. Contact the community club to join by calling 07939452497.
Sadness and Sweetness: screening and panel discussion
Sadness and Sweetness is a documentary by Sheba Montserrat that follows four Hackney residents who spent part of their childhoods being raised by relatives in the Caribbean, before reuniting with their parents in Hackney.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion reflecting on kinship care, the contribution that the Windrush generation made to fostering in Hackney and the landscape of care in Hackney today.
There will be delicious Caribbean food served at this event.
The fostering recruitment team will be on hand to share information and answer questions about fostering for Hackney.
Put on by the Museum of the Home, this event has been co-produced in partnership with Hackney Foster Carer’s Council and Hackney Council.
The Cool Ruler: The Musical
Go to the Hackney Empire for a unique story depicting the life and music of Reggae icon Gregory Isaacs, celebrating his 75th anniversary.
The Cool Ruler musical curates the story of the legendary Gregory Isaacs on stage with a live five-piece band, and sensational vocals from Terence Wallen. Experience this foot-stomping reggae musical, which is guaranteed to have you rocking in your seat from start to finish.
For more information and how to book, go to Hackney Empire.
Ashley Walters: Always Winning
The Hackney Empire will be host to an inspiring evening with critically acclaimed actor and director Ashley Walters as he shares his extraordinary journey from musical stardom to triumphs in acting and directing, while overcoming personal setbacks along the way.
If art imitates life, then the critically acclaimed actor, director, producer, and recording artist Ashley Walters is living proof. In this brave and inspiring conversation, Ashley will share the story behind his unwavering determination and resilience. He will reveal the revolutionary mindset that transformed his life and fuels his optimistic outlook, offering a framework for achieving success against any odds.
For more information and how to book visit Hackney Empire.
Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries in Person Writing Group for QTIBiPoC
Shaded Writers welcome Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTIBiPOC) to a writing group for and facilitated by QTIBiPOC supported by Hackney Libraries. It is hybrid; the virtual component delivered via zoom.
Book virtual event: Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries Online Writing Group for QTIBiPoC Tickets
A mix of creative prompts and mindfulness will be offered. A moment to pause, reflect and create. Bring your favourite beverage/snacks and your coloured pens or your picture making equipment. Bring your pen and paper, lappy, phone - however you create. Come ready to write/draw/doodle/journal (as you choose), free and to prompts, to and for yourself. Come to enjoy the ambience of being in community. There is no expectation you should share, though you are welcome to.
It is suitable for writers at any level and non-writers wishing to engage creatively.
It will be held as gentle space of invitation and relaxation and finding your own level of participation, no judgement, no pressure. There is no obligation to put your camera or audio on if joining via zoom. It is held as safe(r) space and will not be recorded. Hackney Libraries may request pictures taken only with your expressed consent. The pictures may appear on social media and in promotional material for the writing group (flyer/ website/newsletter). We try to never out anyone.
For more information and how to reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.
The Blessing: Power of Community
The Blessing is a spectacular celebration marking Windrush Day and Refugee Week 2025 that will bring together musicians, artists and our local community.
The event will start with a Caribbean blessing for Hackney, featuring drumming, spoken word, steel pan and singing. The show will finish with our massed choirs, taking the stage alongside an exciting line up of musical headliners to fill the theatre with rhythm and joy.
A partnership between Hackney Empire, Counterpoints Arts, and Rising Tide, The Blessing will be guided by conversations and creative collaboration between young people and their elders. We will celebrate the superpowers of Community and Welcome, pay tribute to the contributions and experiences of refugee and Windrush generations, and bring healing and solidarity to those that attend under the watchful eyes of Papa Bois, a Caribbean folklore character.
All ticket sales will go towards supporting Hackney Empire and Counterpoints' wider engagement programmes.
Funded by the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, supported by Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government administered by Near Neighbours.
This project is supported by Hackney Council.
Presented by Hackney Empire and Counterpoints Arts.
For more information and how to book, visit the website.
This is My Story
"When an Elder dies a Library burns down. We owe it to future generations not just to tell our stories but to write them down."
Hackney Council in association with Twenty9Twelve as part of the Hackney Windrush Season are funding a Legacy Writing Workshop, led by 17 year old Hackney author, Romeo Bremmer, and featuring 11 year old author Jahmari Maxwell.
We are inviting families to bring your Elders to participate in a workshop teaching you exactly how to document the Legacy of your loved ones.
The young authors will be providing templates and materials to support with the writing of your Elders stories and giving you examples of their work as outlined in their Windrush book: Hey, Black Boy! Windrush Special.
For more information and how to book your ticket, visit Eventbrite.
THIS IS MY STORY is funded by Hackney Council's Windrush Microgrant Scheme in partnership with Twenty9Twelve.
Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries in Person Writing Group for QTIBiPoC
Shaded Writers welcome Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTIBiPOC) to a writing group for and facilitated by QTIBiPOC supported by Hackney Libraries. It is hybrid; the virtual component delivered via zoom.
Book virtual event: Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries Online Writing Group for QTIBiPoC Tickets
A mix of creative prompts and mindfulness will be offered. A moment to pause, reflect and create. Bring your favourite beverage/snacks and your coloured pens or your picture making equipment. Bring your pen and paper, lappy, phone - however you create. Come ready to write/draw/doodle/journal (as you choose), free and to prompts, to and for yourself. Come to enjoy the ambience of being in community. There is no expectation you should share, though you are welcome to.
It is suitable for writers at any level and non-writers wishing to engage creatively.
It will be held as gentle space of invitation and relaxation and finding your own level of participation, no judgement, no pressure. There is no obligation to put your camera or audio on if joining via zoom. It is held as safe(r) space and will not be recorded. Hackney Libraries may request pictures taken only with your expressed consent. The pictures may appear on social media and in promotional material for the writing group (flyer/ website/newsletter). We try to never out anyone.
For more information and how to reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.
For those who need hugs
Go to Hoxton Hall to have a soulful, introspective experience that transcends boundaries. Get ready to dive into raw emotion and powerful artistry. Join us and connect with 4 incredible artists for a night of great conversation, games, networking, an open jam, and most of all great music & energy.
Artists include: Lina Simons, Mukuza, AnderSol and NANDII.
For more information and how to book, visit their website.
Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries in Person Writing Group for QTIBiPoC
Shaded Writers welcome Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTIBiPOC) to a writing group for and facilitated by QTIBiPOC supported by Hackney Libraries. It is hybrid; the virtual component delivered via zoom.
Book virtual event: Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries Online Writing Group for QTIBiPoC Tickets
A mix of creative prompts and mindfulness will be offered. A moment to pause, reflect and create. Bring your favourite beverage/snacks and your coloured pens or your picture making equipment. Bring your pen and paper, lappy, phone - however you create. Come ready to write/draw/doodle/journal (as you choose), free and to prompts, to and for yourself. Come to enjoy the ambience of being in community. There is no expectation you should share, though you are welcome to.
It is suitable for writers at any level and non-writers wishing to engage creatively.
It will be held as gentle space of invitation and relaxation and finding your own level of participation, no judgement, no pressure. There is no obligation to put your camera or audio on if joining via zoom. It is held as safe(r) space and will not be recorded. Hackney Libraries may request pictures taken only with your expressed consent. The pictures may appear on social media and in promotional material for the writing group (flyer/ website/newsletter). We try to never out anyone.
For more information and how to reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.
Kojo Anim: Married to the Game
Kojo Anim celebrates 25 years in comedy with a special performance at his local theatre.
Kojo has appeared as a cast member on Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out, Capital Xtra’s breakfast show as the host for 5 years, his own show on MTV Base, Britain's Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner and international tours with Kevin Hart, Chris Rock & Dave Chappelle.
The Fresh Prince of Hackney is finally coming home.
Presented by Kojo Anim.
For more information, go to Hackney Empire.
Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries in Person Writing Group for QTIBiPoC
Shaded Writers welcome Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (QTIBiPOC) to a writing group for and facilitated by QTIBiPOC supported by Hackney Libraries. It is hybrid; the virtual component delivered via zoom.
Book virtual event: Shaded Writers x Hackney Libraries Online Writing Group for QTIBiPoC Tickets
A mix of creative prompts and mindfulness will be offered. A moment to pause, reflect and create. Bring your favourite beverage/snacks and your coloured pens or your picture making equipment. Bring your pen and paper, lappy, phone - however you create. Come ready to write/draw/doodle/journal (as you choose), free and to prompts, to and for yourself. Come to enjoy the ambience of being in community. There is no expectation you should share, though you are welcome to.
It is suitable for writers at any level and non-writers wishing to engage creatively.
It will be held as gentle space of invitation and relaxation and finding your own level of participation, no judgement, no pressure. There is no obligation to put your camera or audio on if joining via zoom. It is held as safe(r) space and will not be recorded. Hackney Libraries may request pictures taken only with your expressed consent. The pictures may appear on social media and in promotional material for the writing group (flyer/ website/newsletter). We try to never out anyone.
For more information and how to reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.
The Drifters
The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come On Over To My Place, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and many more!
The legendary group have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of the United States and listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George & Faye Treadwell) The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with multiple successful UK tours including headline shows in major arenas and, most notably, the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London for the first ever time in the group’s glittering career.
“I am thrilled with the success of our recent UK tours and we invite you all to join us in continuing to celebrate this incredible and everlasting story of The Drifters,” said Tina, speaking about the tour.
Presented by Elite Concerts International.
For booking information, go to Hackney Empire.
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
Hackney Black Women Writers’ Group (Copy)
Hosted by Lisa Ogun’, these warm and supportive writing sessions are for African and African-Caribbean women looking to hone their writing skills, share their creative voice and feel inspired by listening to others. Last Tuesday of the month at Shoreditch Library from 6-7.30pm – book here for reminders, or just come along!
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.
The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.
Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.
Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.
This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.
The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.
Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.
Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.
Artwork by Feast Creative.
Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.
Romeo and Juliet (BSL Interpreted)
Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.
The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.
Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.
Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.
This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.
The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.
Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.
Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.
Artwork by Feast Creative.
Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.
The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.
Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.
Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.
This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.
The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.
Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.
Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.
Artwork by Feast Creative.
Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.
Romeo and Juliet
Hackney Empire291 Mare StreetLondon, England, E8 1EJUnited Kingdom (map)
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
London Community Gospel Choir: Out of Many, One Voice
Celebrate the power and joy of gospel music in a soul-stirring concert. Featuring electrifying performances headlined by the renowned London Community Gospel Choir, and featuring special guest performances.
This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of harmony, inspiration, and community spirit. Experience a blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel sounds in the historic Hackney Empire.
Presented by London Community Gospel Choir Charity.
For more information and book, visit Hackney Empire.
Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour
Join Aurie Styla as he talks about this wild world, and his journey to make sense of it, in The Aurator!
After a year of performing worldwide, award-winning comedian Aurie Styla is back on tour, with his biggest one to date.
As seen and heard on; Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITVX), Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Don’t Hate The Playaz (ITV), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Mo Gilligan’s Black British & Funny (C4), On The Other Foot (film), Aurie Styla’s Tech Talk (BBC R4), You’re Part Of The Problem (BBC R4), Respectfully… (Podcast) and more.
Presented by Live Nation in association with Edbon Management.
For more information and how to book, visit Hackney Empire.
C.L.R. James Festival 2025 Panel Discussion and Networking
To celebrate 40 years of the renaming of Dalston C.L.R. James Library, with a special panel of speakers we will be discussing the relationship between C.L.R. James and Hackney. We will look back to the renaming of Dalston Library and reflect on collective action, unity, and the power of the people to enact change.
James' work and activism were rooted in the idea that communities, particularly those that have been marginalized, can find strength through solidarity and collective action.
CLR James remains an important figure in contemporary discussions on race, class, and revolutionary politics. His ideas on the relationship between culture and politics have inspired the world to challenge the legacies of colonialism and influence contemporary thought.
Join us for an exciting afternoon of talk, reflection, informal discussion and debate. There will be time afterwards to chat with community partners and guests.
Book you place on Eventbrite.
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
C.L.R James Community Activism and Legacy Open Day
To celebrate 40 years of the renaming of Dalston C.L.R. James Library, come along to our community day to hear about our collections and plans to celebrate C.L.R. James over the coming year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to visit C.L.R. James Library in Dalston, and look through a wealth of archive material, view our special collections, plus a first look at rare and unseen books by and on CLR James kindly donated by Cecil Gutzmore.
Book online or just turn up!
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
Hackney Black Women Writers’ Group
Hosted by Lisa Ogun’, these warm and supportive writing sessions are for African and African-Caribbean women looking to hone their writing skills, share their creative voice and feel inspired by listening to others. Last Tuesday of the month at Shoreditch Library from 6-7.30pm – book here for reminders, or just come along!
Arts and Wellbeing
Supporting the African Diaspora Community
Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity
No experience needed
Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)
Women only
Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.
Ballet Black: Shadows
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black makes its return to Hackney Empire with an exciting new double bill including Pancho's darkly comic adaptation of Oyinkan Braithwaite's international bestselling novel, My Sister, The Serial Killer.
The double bill is completed by Brooklyn-born, award-winning choreographer Chanel DaSilva, making her British choreographic debut.
Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, as well as establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.
Rising Survivors CIC International Women's Day Celebration
Join Rising Survivors CIC for the International Women's Day Celebration and the launch 7 weeks program!*
Get ready to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from around the world. This in-person event is a wonderful opportunity to connect, empower each other, and kickstart a 7-week program designed to inspire and uplift. Come be a part of a community that values women and their impact.
Book a free ticket here.
*Rising Survivors CIC is launching a 12-Month Healing & Empowerment Program on International Women’s Day 2025: The program is designed to support women healing from childhood/developmental trauma, helping them rebuild confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience. Throughout the year, they’ll provide trauma-informed coaching, peer support, and holistic healing workshops, offering women the tools they need for emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Our focus is on creating a safe, inclusive space for women from Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Global Majority communities, as well as those navigating neurodivergence, self-esteem challenges, and mental health struggles.
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.
Doc 'N Roll presents: God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines
GOD SAID GIVE ‘EM DRUM MACHINES is the story behind one of Detroit’s great contributions to world culture: techno, the electronic-music phenomenon created by Black artists in the 1980s that would transform dance music worldwide and ultimately blossom into the multibillion-dollar EDM industry of today. In the spotlight: and more. This is an African-American story delivered straight from the city that gave birth to it: Motor City native Kristian R. Hill directs, Detroit-born Jennifer Washington and David Grandison are producers, and in the spotlight are creative forces including Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Blake Baxter, Santonio Echols, Eddie Fowlkes and more.
For more info and to book tickets visit the Rio cinema.
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.
Babymother - The First Black British Musical + Q&A
The Rio Cinema and Never Watching Movies is excited to announce a special screening of Babymother (2000), the FIRST black British musical on February 13th with the film’s director Julian Henriques in person for a Q&A.
Synopsis: Musician Anita (Angela Lauren Smith), brings her friends Sharon (Caroline Chikezie) and Yvette (Jocelyn Esien) together to form an all girl music group but come in conflict with Anita’s reggae artist husband Byron (Wil Johnson) who wants her to set aside her dream and focus on raising their children. Following a series of revelations around the truth of her mother Anita is pushed to find balance between pursing her dreams, taking care of her children and finding herself. With stunning costume and make-up design, the film delivers a gorgeous reflection of Black British creativity, style and sisterhood.
The film’s director Julian Henriques is a British filmmaker, researcher, writer and academic. He is a professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, in the Media and Communications Department, with his particular research interests being culture, technology and reggae sound systems.
Windrush Community Champion’s Roundtable II
An important event centred on amplifying the voices of Windrush survivors and fostering collective solutions for this community hosted by survivor Glenda Ceasar. This event will cover
Survivor’s Perspectives: Needs and priorities
International Provisions: Current availability and future possibilities
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Accessing support
Various times throughout the day. Please visit Claudia Jones for more information or visit the Eventbrite page.
Slow Jams & Spoken Word
Get ready for a night of love, creativity, and soul at Slow Jams & Spoken Word, our special pre-Valentine’s open mic event on Tuesday, 4th February 2025 at Grow, Hackney. Expect spoken word poetry, live music, interactive games, and a carefully curated playlist of slow jams, R&B, neo-soul, and more. Plus, there’s a pop-up photoshoot with our founder Ovyuki to capture the magic!
£5 on the door or book via Eventbrite
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.
IRIE Mind weekly Supermarket & Cafe
IRIE Mind is holding an expanded programme of cost of living support with funding from Hackney Giving. This runs for 12 weeks for Hackney residents of Black, African and Caribbean heritage experiencing the most urgent need. Every Friday they run a culturally diverse food bank and weekelt community hot means for Black residents. Find them at The Recovery Hub 15a, Homerton Row E9 6ED. Find out more about Irie Mind.
Cafe opens: 10.30 - 11.30
Supermarket: 11:30 - 12:30
Nourishment presents: Vision Night
Join Nourishment for Vision Night, an intimate evening designed for creatives to map out their dreams, set game-changing goals, and gain inspiration. They’ll explore setting SMART goals (think achievable and life-changing, not overwhelming), discuss dos-and-don’ts for 2025, and craft vision boards that turn your aspirations into tangible works of art. Whether you’re team paper and glue or all about digital aesthetics, we’ve got you covered. There will be opportunities to write a letter to your future self, bring your own photos and participate in group tasks. Expect a vibrant space for networking, meaningful conversations, and even sparking collaborations with new creative homies. Book here.
For Those Who Need Hugs
For Those Who Need Hugs is a ethereal space for sensitive souls to explore healing through soulful music and holistic moments with full live band and 3 amazing artists. You can expect genres like R&B, Soul, Reggae, Afrobeats delivered with a vibe like no other. Book now via Hoxton Hall
Interactive Storytime
Join Suezette from Mummy Off Maternity for a fun, interactive session for toddlers. With a focus on African heritage and history, there are stories, songs, craft activities, toys and instruments! 11am, every Friday at Clapton Library.