R Consultancy presents Carnival Through the Eyes of Windrush - a project that started in lockdown exploring the recollections of Playing Mas /Carnival and the traditional carnival characters unique to the Islands of Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and Antigua. A historical and educational documentary made with the aim of cementing the oral history of Traditional Mas. Watch the trailer.

Book now via Rio website.

The king of Caribbean comedy Oliver Samuels is back with new blockbuster special for Black History Month Di Prodigal Pickney; a heartfelt tale inspired by the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the enduring bonds of family.

Written by Oliver himself, this hilarious new comedy promises non-stop laughter from start to finish. With a formidable supporting cast featuring Tesfa Edwards, and Karen Harriot. This is one you don't want to miss. Book via Hackney Empire Tickets

The June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive, in collaboration with the London Community Video Archive and Rio Cinema, proudly presents a screening of Coconut Head Generation as part of the Anti-Racist Study Day: What We Do Next taking place ahead of the screening at the CLR James Library.

Directed by Alain Kassanda, Coconut Head Generation is a compelling observational documentary that captures the political awakening and intellectual energy of Nigerian students at the University of Ibadan.

The event will open with a pre-recorded introduction by Adebimpe Oluwafunmilayo Adeyemi, one of the leading students involved in the film club featured in the documentary. 

Curated by Phoebe Beckett Chingono, Damilola Lemomu, and benjin, this programme is supported by Hackney Council’s Black History Season Fund. Book via the Rio Cinema.

The Anti-Racist Study Day revisits the 1984-85 Greater London Council’s (GLC) Anti-Racist Film Programme. With the rise of far right politics, we want to understand: what does anti-racist organising and education look like today?

The Anti Racist Film Programme was developed in response to calls at the 1983 Third Eye Festival of Third World Cinema for greater access to films by and about Black and global majority people. The programme put together by June Givanni (Programme Coordinator) and Parminder Vir (Ethnic Arts Adviser), brought films and discussions to community groups across London.

Free. Spaces limited and booking essential please book via the ticket link. This event is followed by a screening of Coconut Head Generation (2023) at the Rio Cinema at 3pm. Participants to the study day will receive a free ticket to the screening. For everyone else please book via the Rio cinema.

Join Urban MBA for 'Digital Diaspora: Past, Present & Future,' a creative AI workshop celebrating African Heritage. Explore the intersection of technology and identity, learn to create unique digital art inspired by iconic African figures, and engage in meaningful dialogue about culture and belonging. Leave with your own printed artwork and connect with like-minded creatives in this hands-on session for all skill levels. Book your free ticket here.

Join Hackney Carnival legends Gahu Dramatic Arts as they showcase the work from their previous sessions run with the community. Gahu means rich drum, a word from Ewe in the southern part of Ghana. Expect energetic dancing, uplifting drumming and great vibes!

Free. Just turn up. For more information or to book please call 07494091226 or 074000497663

Steel Pan legends and Hackney Carnival originals Pantonic Steel Orchestra are hosting free steel pan lessons! Come try the vibrant sound of the steel pan, fun, beginner-friendly and totally free! Ages 8+

Book via Eventbrite.

Steel Pan legends and Hackney Carnival originals Pantonic Steel Orchestra are hosting free steel pan lessons! Come try the vibrant sound of the steel pan, fun, beginner-friendly and totally free! Ages 8+

Book via Eventbrite.

Join V&A East for an exclusive opportunity to explore the creative process of Jazz Grant, the recipient of Hackney Council’s 2025 Windrush Amplified Art Grant which will be revealed here for the first time. As part of her residency at the V&A East Storehouse, Jazz has delved into the museum's vast collection to develop a new artwork that reflects her unique artistic vision. This is a rare chance to engage directly with an artist whose work bridges personal heritage and contemporary art. Free. Just turn up. For more info visit the V&A website.

Join Urban MBA for an innovative exhibition exploring the intersection of African heritage, contemporary art, and cutting-edge AI technology. Digital Diaspora is a focused, groundbreaking showcase celebrating Black history through art, heritage, and the transformative power of AI-generated creativity.

Featuring the work of Sonya Blanche Vassell (ByBlanche Studio) – Hackney-based lead artist whose work explores Hackney's Black historians, architectural heritage, and Diaspora stories, and Roney Fraser-Munroe – creative producer, artist, and activist pioneering Afrofuturist digital-punk language. Roney's practice examines African representation, transhumanism, and AI, whilst centring African Diaspora agency in digital futures.

Free! Just drop in! Everyone welcome. For more information on Urban MBA visit urbanmba.co.uk

THE QUIET EAR is the groundbreaking new memoir by award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus. Growing up in Hackney to an English mother and Jamaican father, educated in both mainstream and deaf schooling systems, Raymond explores the shame of miscommunication and the joy of finding community, and shines a light on the decline of deaf education in Britain as it explores the intersection of race and disability. Book tickets via Pages of Hackney

For too long, afro and textured hair has been underrepresented — or misrepresented — in mainstream culture and digital communication. Young people are challenging this and leading the call for change. Join RISE365 as they reveal a display of their work championing better representation of Afro and textured hair in digital spaces.

This display shares their journey, their experiences, and their vision for a future where representation truly matters. It stands as a powerful reminder that young people are not just shaping tomorrow — they are making change today

Free. For more information and to book a free ticket visit the Museum’s Eventbrite page.

Richard Yeboah is a writer, public servant and historian from Hackney, East London with a strong interest in local history, public policy and urbanism, and has written on a variety of political and social issues over the last ten years. Richard's long-anticipated book "From Hackney, With Love: An Intimate History of Gentrification" was published in May 2025 and is a part-history, part-memoir reflecting on the dramatic physical, socioeconomic and cultural transformation of Hackney over the last few decades.

As part of the Radical Writers Festival. Book via the Abney Park website.

This walk recognises the journey of the SS Windrush arriving from the Caribbean. It starts with the 1950's and goes right up to the 21st century. We will cover:

• Black music history soul, reggae, rave and acid: the legendary 4 Aces

• Blue plaques to Black people and how they get ripped off

• Hackney’s Black activism and its pioneering role in housing equality

And more! Join us for a journey of history, enjoyment and learning.

Book Tickets: - Price - £15

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.

Making Waves! Summer monthly open water swim meet up encouraging women of African-descent along with mixed heritage or bi-racial women who identify with their African roots to come together and celebrate sisterhood, joy and freedom in the water. Book your slot via the Better App or website at the West Reservoir Centre Location. Visit the website for more information about the West Reservoir Centre.

September 4th 10am. West Reservoir Centre Green Lanes, N4 C2H.

Faggamuffin has always been more than a party; it's thee home for QTBIPOC joy during Carnival season. We’re coming strong to close off the summer. Expect legendary DJ lineups, dancers, masqueraders, and MCs taking you from Dancehall to Soca, from Bashment to Reggae, all though the night. This is a celebration of our legacy - 7 years of creating space for the culture, the connection, and the community that makes us who we are. Come for the vibes. Stay for the rhythm. Bring your full self. \+ Special Guests Tickets are £10, £15 & £20 (£1.50 venue ticket levy added to every ticket price) 54 Holywell Lane, London, EC2A 3PQ 23:00:00 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time) If you have any queries or would like more information about access at Village Underground, please see or contact access@villageunderground.co.uk. Presented by Faggamuffin. This is an 18+ event.

£12.88. Book now!

Experience electrifying live jazz in an atmospheric 1800s Grade II Listed Music Hall. Hoxton Hidden Jazz Club offers an intimate, fun, underground performance—a secret spot where Londoners discover top jazz artists in a relaxed, spontaneous, artist-run setting unlike traditional jazz clubs.

Includes MOBO award-winning Denys Baptiste, Jazz FM winner Georgia Cecile and the ‘young don’ of jazz and afro-beat trumpeter, Ife Ogunjobi and plenty more.

Book Tickets - Price - from £22.00

Celebrating the contributions of pioneering entrepreneurs and entertainers through clubs like Cubies and the legendary Four Aces, a free event launching the new heritage elements installed in Dalston Square in collaboration with the Older Generation, Younger Generation (OGYG) organisation. Join us and enjoy an unveiling ceremony, live acoustic music from Reggae band Black Slate,  a museum display and delicious Caribbean food.  

The event will be hosted by actress and presenter Judith Jacob. Food will be available for purchase provided by Cummin' Up Caribbean Restaurant. 

Find out the full schedule for the day here.

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 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.

Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad & Tobago at FLAVOUR IBIS: Trinidad & Tobago Independence Legacy! Join us for a day filled with music, dance, food, and more. Immerse yourself in the legacy of Trinidadian independence and enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean.

Free. Book via Eventbrite.

 An evening of creativity, rhythm, and reflection awaits at the Windrush Art and Music Performances, taking place at Riverwalk Apartments. This special event brings together local artists and musicians in a vibrant celebration of the Windrush generation’s enduring cultural legacy.

Get ready to be immersed in a fusion of art and music that will uplift your spirits. Don't miss out on this unique experience that pays homage to the rich heritage of the Windrush community. See you there!

Book Tickets: - Price - free!

Come and enjoy a safe space to celebrate diverse sexualities, gender identities, gender expressions and queer cultures. We’re bringing the community together again this summer for both celebration and protest. From a bus-load of attendees travelling to Southend-on-Sea to 10,000 people in Haggerston Park, UK Black Pride is proud to return to Newham the largest space the organisation has occupied since its inception. 

Free! For full info visit