Blackpool comes together to celebrate Black History Month

Blackpool is proud to support Black History Month.

The town will celebrate the international campaign with a host of local events and activities, taking place between the 1st and 30th October, 2023.

Officially recognised by the US government in 1976, and first celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month is an internationally recognised celebration of black history, heritage, and culture, with a vision to inspire and empower future generations.

A month to celebrate the achievements and contributions those with African and Caribbean heritage have made to the UK’s history and culture, it's also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.

Blackpool invites residents to explore and celebrate the rich history and culture during Black History Month by attending one of the dedicated events taking place during October.

Local events

The Blackpool Tower will be light in yellow, green every Sunday during October (8, 15, 22 and 29 October).

Starting from 12 October, and continuing beyond Black History Month, Aunty Social and Blackpool African Caribbean Friends & Relations Association (AFRA) will be hosting a variety of creative workshops, including painting and photography, storytelling and local history sessions, children’s activities and film screenings.

Taking place from 8pm on the 11 October, The Old Electric will host a play for the people, ‘Are We Racist?' by Dr Andy Smith. Exploring ideas of difference, and a look toward understanding and collaboration.

Blackpool’s libraries will host a series of immersive VR experiences across their sites:

§  12 October, 10am-12noon - Palatine Library | 17 October, 10am-1pm – Anchorsholme Library 20 October | 10.00am-1.00pm – Central Library

Empire Soldiers detail the experiences of Caribbean and South Asian soldiers in WWI.  Explore the impact of migration, and hear captivating stories of the battlefield, watching the changes over the last 100 years as the journey continue to the present day.

§  12 October, 10.00am-12noon - Palatine Library | 17 October, 10.00am-1.00pm – Anchorsholme Library | 20 October, 10.00am-1.00pm – Central Library

Locker Room invites you to become Muhammad Ali moments before the biggest fight in his life: Rumble in the Jungle. Enter the locker room with Muhammad Ali and watch Ali's pre-fight drills and immerse yourself in authentic archive material and handle memorabilia.  

16 October is the birthday of George Washington-Williams, who is buried at Layton Cemetery. He was a soldier in the American Civil War and in Mexico before becoming a Baptist minister, politician, lawyer, journalist, and writer on African-American history.  To mark his birthday, council representatives will lay flowers on his grave.

Attend a special Q&A 'Lollies in Love with Light' - with Dr. Chyla Kumari-Singh, MBE on the 19 October, at LightWorks. Chyla has created two installations for the Blackpool Illuminations. Get the opportunity to unpick the creative process in neons, her family background and the rich culture that inspired this work.

Andy Lamin Jatta has organised a Gambian Family Fun Day at Staining Village Hall between 2.00 and 8.00pm on the 21 October. Join for Gambian cuisine, activities, games and competitions with live music. Entry is £5 per person or £10 per family.

House of Wingz will host a two-day extravaganza - Cultivating Roots: A Black Excellence Showcase. On the 27 and 28 October, the group will host a mix of themed sessions, lectures, videos and activities as well as traditional Caribbean family games, dance sessions, battles and social dance with a range of music and samples of Caribbean and West African food.

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Neighbourhoods, said: “Black History Month is as much about making history as it is about telling it, and we are delighted to support the international event.

“It’s inspiring to see some of our brilliant local organisations hosting a variety of events across the town to celebrate the enormous contributions of black people to British society.

“It’s a time to celebrate the diversity of our country, whilst also giving the opportunity to talk about some really vital issues.

“For generations, people of African and Caribbean descent have been shaping this nation, making an extraordinary contribution to all aspects of our national, communal, and cultural life.

“This month is also an opportunity for everyone to learn about the history and experiences of black people in the UK, contributing to having inclusive communities and workplaces.

“Blackpool Council stands resolute against racism and all forms of discrimination and prejudice wherever we encounter it.”