October is Black History Month and, while Black history should be championed for more than just one month, boy, do we have a lot to celebrate here in Manchester. From activists paving the way, to artists, poets, nurses, and those we don’t necessarily see every day, but who put their all into working hard, the Black population of Manchester have made, and do still make, the city what it is. This year’s Black History Month theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives‘, is dedicated to Black people taking control of their own stories, celebrating their heritage, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Black History Month gives us the opportunity to thank all of these amazing people, celebrating the culture they continue to bring to Manchester and for the community to come together and recognise the impact Black culture and people have had on the wider community. There are plenty of events going on and ways to support Black-owned businesses in Manchester this Black History Month to embody all of this, spreading positivity, solidarity and education – so here’s our guide.
1. Black Creative Trailblazers, Aviva Studios – Thursday 3 October
Black Creative Trailblazers is a glamorous black-tie event held during Black History Month to celebrate the work of Black creatives in Manchester. Dress up, enjoy a line-up of exceptional talent and discover new artists. Expect dynamic performances by Black musicians, poets and dancers, fashion shows by independent Black designers and an art exhibition showcasing work by Black artists – all responding to this year’s theme.
Black Creative Trailblazers serves as a launchpad for emerging talent, with past participants featuring in London Fashion Week, Glastonbury and Netflix productions. The showcase highlights the exceptional contributions of Black artists, offering them significant exposure and opportunities for career advancement.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ.
2. Qudus Onikeiku – Re:incarnation, The Lowry – Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 October
Ten young dancers and two musicians perform the cycle of life with explosive energy, marked by the urban chaos of the Nigerian city of Lagos. Paying homage to the wealth and profusion of Nigerian music, the show draws on Afrobeats, born of an explosive cocktail of jazz, soul, funk, and traditional African music. In this mix of urban cultures, a reincarnation of the personal journeys of each of the dancers comes to the fore, marked by their individual signatures.
🎟️ You can find tickets here.
📍The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ.
3. Nish Kumar: Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe, The Lowry – Thursday 17 October
Nish Kumar, one of our favourite comedians, is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged stand-up show, ‘Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe’. Expect jokes about climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who isn’t going to vote for a British Indian Prime Minister. It’s 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing, plus support act and interval.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ.
4. COBO : Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special, Frog & Bucket – Sunday 20 October
If you haven’t experienced the magic of COBO before, brace yourself for an evening of rip-roaring, back slapping belly laughs as the Black History Month Special brings some of the most talented comedians on the circuit to Manchester. COBO prides itself on championing comedians who appeal to comedy lovers of all backgrounds – so grab your tickets and head down for a night of good vibes!
This year’s acts include Prince Abdi (Comedy Central, ITV), Limahl Germain (Comedy Central Live), Kat B (BBC, MTV) and Kyrah Gray (Netflix, Comedy Central Live), so you’re in for a treat.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, 102 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LJ.
5. Billy Porter: Black Mona Lisa, Palace Theatre – Thursday 24 October
Billy Porter is The Black Mona Lisa! Backed by a full band, the Black Mona Lisa UK Tour 2024 takes the audience on a musical journey through Billy’s life story — showcasing tracks from ‘Black Mona Lisa’, his latest pop album, while also celebrating his 90s R&B roots and award-winning turns on Broadway.
Speaking on the tour, Billy said: “I love the UK and I am thrilled that I’m finally able to bring ‘The Black Mona Lisa Tour’ to my UK fans who have shown me and my music so much love over the past couple of years.”
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍Palace Theatre Manchester, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT.
6. 7th Annual Black History Month Celebration, Rochdale – Thursday 24 October
The 7th annual Black History Month celebration will be taking place at Rochdale Town Hall this month. Expect music and dance, games and food, drama and poetry, raffle draw and face painting, and cultural displays and exhibits to keep you entertained, for a lovely bit of family fun. Come and be a part of an evening filled with celebration, culture, and community spirit – all are welcome!
🎟️ Entry is free but you can register for the event here.
📍Rochdale Town Hall, Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale.
7. Environmental Justice: Let’s Talk About Race – Can I Live?, Manchester Museum – Wednesday 23 October
Join Manchester Museum for a screening of ‘Can I Live?‘ – a vital digital performance about the climate catastrophe conceived, written and performed by Fehinti Balogun who shares his personal journey into the biggest challenge of our times. Weaving his story with spoken word, rap, theatre, animation and the scientific facts, Fehinti charts a course through the fundamental issues underpinning the emergency, identifying the intimate relationship between the environmental crisis and the global struggle for social justice, and sharing how, as a young Black British man, he has found his place in the climate movement.
Following the screening will be two facilitated community discussion spaces, exploring what is meant by Climate Justice and how we can start to build more understanding and solidarity across environmental movements. Community Conversation 1 will be for people of colour only, creating a ‘safer’ space to share personal experiences of navigating and engaging with environment/climate movements as racialised people; Community Conversation 2 will be open to everyone, focusing on building understanding and solidarity across communities and movements for environmental justice.
🎟️ Get free tickets here.
📍Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD.
8. Barbara Walker: Being Here, The Whitworth Art Gallery – Preview Thursday 3 October
This major exhibition will bring together over 70 works spanning Walker’s career from the 1990s to today, including her Turner Prize nominated portrait series Burden of Proof (2022-23) and rarely seen drawings. The display will include a new commission focusing on the Windrush generation and in response to the Whitworth’s collection of historic drawings and wallpaper.
There will be a special exhibition preview evening to mark Barbara Walker’s show opening and the Whitworth’s autumn programme, which is free.
🎟️ Entry is free, but reserve your place at the even here.
📍The Whitworth, Oxford Road Manchester M15 6ER.
9. Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare, Manchester Museum – Saturday 19 October
Get ready for a unique celebration of all things books and storytelling by joining Manchester Museum on Saturday 19 October from 10am-4pm, for a fun-filled day! An array of engaging activities led by CALFE authors, publishers, and creatives for the whole family include:
- Meet-the-author sessions
- Storytelling, traditional singing, and creative writing workshops
- Traditional African Mancala game for problem-solving
- African fashion, crafts, and illustration workshops
- African artefact handling and Spice & Utensil workshops
🎟️ Find out more and book free tickets here.
📍Manchester Museum, Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL.
10. 50:50 Parliament Amplifying Muted Voices, The Portico Library – Tuesday 29 October
An inspiring discussion for Women of Colour in the North and allies, Amplifying Muted Voices explores the intersection of women of colour in politics, amplifying voices that are often overlooked and hearing the panel’s journey – while painting and being creative to foster well being and be empowered by the subject they are painting. The event will be hosted by Carol Ann Whitehead FRSA CMgr CCMI, with the panel to be confirmed.
Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion and some amazing artwork. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with art and activism in a beautiful setting.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HY.