Black History Month in Leicester

Black History Month always has a packed schedule in Leicester and this year there are more events than ever before, with events and exhibitions, internationally famous comedians, celebrations of black music and loads more besides. Read on to find out what’s happening in the city this October!

This exhibition at Leicester Museum is dedicated to the Windrush Generation who responded to the invitation to come and re-build Britain after the Second World War. Using oral histories, images and memories, this exhibition showcases local stories with dignity and pride. Find out more

Also at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. Inspired by a Murano glass fish ornament, by artist Wolde Selassie, members of the community are invited to share their memories of the precious possessions that made their family’s house a home. Find out more

Hosted at Leicester Cathedral, this concert celebrates to the contributions made by the African and African Caribbean Diaspora to classical music. Tickets also include entry to an afternoon symposium at the Serendipity Institute featuring leading composers, musicians and experts. Find out more

Presented by Leicester Libraries In conversation with author and award-winning playwright, Mel Pennant and Lisa Smith, author of Jamaica Road. Hosted by broadcaster, Merisha Stevenson. Find out more

From 4 October: Black History Month cinema at Phoenix

4 October: Big Mama Thornton: I Can’t Be Anyone But Me

30 October: I Love Boosters + Poetry Performance

7-28 October: Reel Histories – Black Classics

Hosted at the Serendipity Institute, this bold and compelling film programme is a collection of landmark narrative, documentary and short films by pioneering Black film makers. It includes

Playing Away: 7 October | 7pm

The Passion of Remembrance: 14 October | 7pm

Young Soul Rebels: 21 October | 7pm

The Stuart Hall Project: 28 October | 7pm

Purchase a Reel Histories Pass for access to all the Reel Histories film screenings and a complimentary drink at each screening.  Individual film screenings are £10 | £8 concession.

Inspired by Trinidadian culture this celebration features the poetry and wordplay of international poet Grace Nichols and special guests. Liming is a mix of poetry and spoken word with carnival. Nichols will read from her classic works and new book The Tracks of My Name. Find out more

This star studded comedy line-up features Gbemi Oladipo (ITV, BBC One), Travis Jay (Supacell), Nancy Macdonald (Vibrant, quick-witted rising comedy talent), Richard Blackwood  (MTV, ITV, BBC, CH4) and Eddie Kadi (Strictly Come Dancing). Find out more

More great comedy at the Y Theatre from Aurie Styla who is one of the most naturally charismatic and hilarious comedians around. Following his acclaimed 100+ date worldwide tour, he’s back on the road with his brand new show Maverick. Find out more

Presented by Leicester Jazz House, Mellow Baku has spent two decades on stages across the UK and internationally. Find out more

At Newarke Houses Museum, this special exhibition celebrates the lives, achievements and lasting contributions of Leicester’s Windrush Generation. Find out more

Presented by Curve. Part stand-up, part storytelling and part conversation with himself (and with you), this new live show sees Lenny Henry return to the experiences that shaped him and still drive him today. Find out more

For more than five centuries, people of African descent have experienced exploitation, displacement and systemic oppression shaped by the pursuit of power, wealth and control. This challenging and engaging discussion hosted by the African Caribbean Centre examines the past, interrogates the present and encourages critical reflection on the forces shaping our global future. Find out more

In 2026, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery’s new collection of artworks will go on display, including The Inimitable Mrs Morton, commissioned by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. This in conversation event with the artist an subject at the museum reflects on the significance of portraiture in documenting Black British history. Find out more

At the Attenborough Arts Centre, Vidal Montgomery presents and performs work with and from local Afrofuturist artists and featured writers from his Virgo Multiverse Substack. Find out more

2Funky Arts showcases powerful new performances by up-and-coming Midlands artists of Black, African and Caribbean heritage at the Y Theatre. Find out more

Spend an evening at Curve Theatre with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA award-winning author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE. Find out more

A vibrant, intergenerational celebration honouring the legacy, resilience and brilliance of the Windrush Generation at the Curve Theatre. Find out more

Join a free author talk with acclaimed writer Gerard Alfonzo Daley at Leicester Central Library, featuring a reading from his award-winning novel The Book of Erin, followed by an audience Q&A. Find out more

Throughout Black History Month, listen to the Around the Table podcast series for heartwarming stories celebrating the rich traditions, stories and experiences that shape Black communities. In each episode, four guests gather around a shared meal, using food as a starting point for their conversations.