The best summer events to see in London that celebrate Black culture

The beauty of London exceeds its attractions and skyline. The city’s true allure lies in its tapestry of cultures from around the world. Head to any corner of London, and you’ll stumble upon Nigerian restaurants, Guadeloupean food trucks or Black British artisan pop-ups, each adding to the city’s cultural fabric.

Black history in London, unfortunately, reveals struggle as generations were faced with racism and discrimination after migrating to the capital. Despite this, Black-owned restaurants, bars and events like Notting Hill Carnival highlight stories worth celebrating.

Throughout the summer, London is always an exciting place to be due to the range of events that welcome the community to celebrate Black culture. From gripping theatre shows to art exhibitions set out to intrigue and inspire, the city’s calendar is filled with experiences to honour the community. Here are the top events you should check out in August.

Shifters

Back after a sold-out run at the Bush Theatre, Shifters will now be performed in the West End. Based on the eponymous book by 2022 Blackburn Prize winner Benedict Lombe, the play stars Heather Agyepong from The African Mean Girls Play and Tosin Cole from the global hit Supacell. The story explores the reunion of Des and Dre after eight years, where their past memories and present realities collide. Themes of abuse, grief and the Black body are poignantly explored, making Shifters a relatable reminder of young love’s enduring power. Book early to guarantee the best pricing – on-stage seating is also available for an immersive experience.

Address: The Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4BG
Website: bushtheatre.co.uk
Dates: Monday 12 August - Saturday 12 October

Beyond the Bassline

In just an hour or two, you’ll go through over 500 years of music at the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline exhibition. The stories of the earliest recorded musicians of African descent in Britain are retold while highlighting how African musical elements have been incorporated into classical compositions and beyond. The exhibition is an ode to Black people everywhere, showing the global impact Black artists have had and the atrocities they’ve risen up against. You’re guaranteed to learn something new; whether it's the fascinating link between punk rock and reggae or a genre, you’re yet to hear of. The exhibition also features interactive displays and concludes with an interactive multi-screen film installation by Tayo Rapoport and Rohan Ayinde.

Address: The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
Website: beyondthebassline.seetickets.com
Dates: Until Monday 26 August

UK Black Pride

Held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this year marks the 19th edition of the world’s largest free Pride event for LGBTQIA+ Black and POC, co-founded by Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah. From 12pm to 8pm, goers will enjoy an amazing lineup of performers, talks, workshops, and stalls run by charities and small businesses. As a safe space, this year's theme is Freedom and Justice, celebrating the right to love freely and live authentically. Besides being a celebration, UK Black Pride continues to be a protest against systemic discrimination. Make sure to see what events and initiatives UK Black Pride offers year-round, but this is due to be a highlight of the summer.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Website: ukblackpride.org.uk
Dates: Sunday 11 August

Black History Bus Tour

Run by Black History Walks, this three-hour private bus journey through London pinpoints tourist attractions we know and love from an African and Caribbean perspective. The tour starts in Brixton to uncover 2000 years of Black history linked to sites like the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. Highlights include stories of Black Tudors, British Black Panthers and the Anti-Apartheid movement, as well as the arrival points of the Windrush generation. If you are unable to make this tour, Black History Walks also offers 16 different walking tours – or helicopter and river cruise options if you’re feeling fancy – to explore London's Black history.

Address: The meeting point is in Brixton and disclosed after booking
Website: eventbrite.co.uk
Dates: Sunday 4 August

Vogue Rites Presents the Mighty Crown Ball

This event allows you to step into the heart of Ballroom culture as London-based collective Vogue Rites takes centre stage in Somerset House’s open courtyard. Before you visit, the collective requests outsiders to approach with respect and acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of the Ballroom scene, which originates from Harlem, New York. Ballroom culture was born from the creativity of Black and Latinx queer communities and continues to provide a safe and accepting haven for the LGBTQ+ community to express their true selves.

While voguing might be familiar, Vogue Rites showcases dance, fashion and music, with trophies up for grabs across a range of categories. International Ballroom talent will grace the runway, show off their best fashion displays and compete in dance-offs to celebrate and uplift Black LGBTQ+ identity, which is often marginalised in wider society.

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
Date: Saturday 24 August

Notting Hill Carnival

All roads lead to the main event! Notting Hill Carnival has been held annually in West London during the August bank holiday weekend since 1966, as a response to racial tension and discrimination in the area. Inspired by Caribbean carnival traditions, the vision of Trinidadian activist Claudia Jones led Notting Hill Carnival to promote cultural diversity and unity. Carnival has since evolved into a symbol of Caribbean music and food for the entire capital to enjoy.

Navigating Notting Hill Carnival can be a tad overwhelming for newbies, so coming equipped with a pre-planned strategy is essential. Choose Sunday 27 August for a calm, family-friendly experience or opt for Monday 28 August, to dance in the party atmosphere for adults. Always meet your friends before venturing into the carnival – festivities kick off at noon, but you can arrive later. Cash is king, so bring enough to cover toilet breaks, drinks and food.

Follow the parade route or venture into side streets to enjoy various sound systems, including hip hop, afro beats and even house music! There is something for everyone.

Website: nhcarnival.org
Dates: Sunday 25 August - Monday 26 August

Black Eats Fest

Join Black Eats LDN and Woolwich Works for a finger-licking weekend south of the river. The food market puts Black-owned businesses in front of the capital's discerning foodies for an elevated festival experience, with visitors tucking in in the outdoor courtyard and sipping at the pop-up cocktail bar. Stick around for DJ sets and a second round of deliciousness.

Address: Bohemia Place Markets, Bohemia Place, London E8 1DU
Website: blackeatsldn.com; woolwich.works
Dates: Saturday 14 September - Sunday 15 September