In the Corner Gallery, artist Igor Tavares unveils a new body of work. Through the lens of his Guinea-Bissau heritage, Tavares follows in the footsteps of artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hammons, positioning the canvas as not just a site for aesthetic exploration but a space to interrogate memory, colonial legacies and the […]
This intergenerational project will bring the Windrush generation and young people together to develop a Creative Legacy around their experiences of migration to Britain. Over five weeks participants will discuss their experiences and lessons learned as well as forge a creative work to share to the wider community. Sessions will take place every Wednesday in […]
Reel Histories is a bold and compelling film programme for Black History Month 2025 that amplifies the cinematic legacies of Black communities across the globe. From poetic reflections on the Windrush generation to revolutionary struggles in the Caribbean, South America and the UK, these films explore themes of resistance, visibility and identity. Reel Histories invites […]
Each year, Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, in collaboration with partners across Leicester, curates an engaging programme for Black History Month, designed to educate, inspire and entertain audiences. For BHM25, the theme Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues shines a spotlight on African, African Caribbean and Latin American voices. The celebration will kick off with a powerful […]
The highly anticipated nationwide debut tour from one of comedy’s fastest rising stars. A Son, Brother, Dad and Friend. From one culture to another. Join stand up sensation Eddie Kadi as he tells us how he got there. Star of Strictly Come Dancing (BBC) and Team Captain of ITV’s Sorry I Didn’t Know. Host of […]
2Funky Arts presents radical new performances, in various artistic styles, that are poignant, heroic, honest and compelling. Created by emerging Midlands-based artists from Black, African and Caribbean backgrounds, expect pieces that turn the personal into political in ways that stir raw emotion. And Still I Rise will dig deep into feelings around prejudice, power and […]
Join us for an evening of bold new ideas and creativity, showcasing inspiring performances in development by local and emerging artists. Come and support new work and be part of the creative conversation! If you are interested in being a part of Scratch Night, please email: artistdevelopment@curvetheatre.co.uk. Free event. Image credit: Jonathan Pryke
The official launch of the African Heritage Music Alliance (AHM) undeniably forms the backbone of all modern popular music. Often erroneously called “Black music”, AHM will continue to create, innovate and motivate musicians, producers and songwriters well into the future, to continue spreading ever evolving musical branches with obscured but deep African roots. The African […]
Honouring ancestral heritage with breath, song and mantra in a voice-led sound bath with antidisciplinary artist Mellow Baku. Playing instruments with roots in her mixed Indigenous Black cultures with live vocal looping to create a vibe for inspiration and release. You are invited to bring an object for circle sharing or just come as you […]
Better Together is an intergenerational programme, bringing senior citizens of the Windrush generation, young migrants and people of Black heritage together to explore migration to the UK. Workshops over the summer will research and record these experiences and allow the participants to get to know each other, compare experiences and develop art presentations. The project […]
Phoenix in partnership with Dare to Diva present the Black Resistance and Power of the Supernatural film programme. Daughters of the Dust Director: Julie Dash USA 1991, 1hr 52mins Language: English Genre: Family/Romance Certificate: 12A At the dawn of the twentieth century, a multi-generational family in the Gullah community on the Sea Islands off the […]
Malik Al Nasir, author and poet, will be delivering a talk based on his book, Searching for My Slave Roots. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and there will also be the opportunity to purchase the publication. Image credit: Peter Chin.
Reel Histories is a bold and compelling film programme for Black History Month 2025 that amplifies the cinematic legacies of Black communities across the globe. From poetic reflections on the Windrush generation to revolutionary struggles in the Caribbean, South America and the UK, these films explore themes of resistance, visibility and identity. Reel Histories invites […]
Join us for a full day of celebration, performances and family activities. Expect: – Traditional music, dancing & singing throughout the museum. – Storytelling in the Leicester Stories Gallery. – Rarely seen Tanzanian masks from the 1980s, reinterpreted with fresh community insight. – Family-friendly activities open to all. All activities are free of charge and […]
An exploration and re-sharing inspired by Nina Simone’s famous song, Four Women, through a multidisciplinary workshop of conversation and art: creative writing, movement and music. We shall deep dive into transforming Black female stereotypes, to re-frame, reclaim and uplift ourselves by exploring and invoking powerful archetypes. Led by MULTiTRiBE including artists Mellow Baku, Louise Katerega, […]
Infectious: Mad About The Boy is an anthology of short films about the potential healing power of art, and Black Health Matters. Part one of this project, “Mad About The Boy”, is a jazz soul poetry film about emotional wellbeing and sensually transmitted dependency in Diaspora which explores the question: “Who do they see when […]
Phoenix in partnership with Dare to Diva present the Black Resistance and Power of the Supernatural film programme. Eve’s Bayou Director: Kasi Lemmons USA 1997, 1hr 49mins Language: English Genre: Thriller/Drama Certificate: 15 Kasi Lemmons’ spellbinding feature debut is an evocative journey into the maze of memory, steeped in fragrant southern-gothic atmosphere. In 1960s Louisiana, […]
An early years session for children aged 18 months–5 years and their grown-ups. An imaginative storytelling workshop inspired by the Roots and Play cultural cards created by a local artist and stories of Anansi. Celebrating imagination, identity and Black History. Tickets £3 per family group. A £2 booking fee will apply if you are booking […]
Reel Histories is a bold and compelling film programme for Black History Month 2025 that amplifies the cinematic legacies of Black communities across the globe. From poetic reflections on the Windrush generation to revolutionary struggles in the Caribbean, South America and the UK, these films explore themes of resistance, visibility and identity. Reel Histories invites […]
An inspiring and empowering programme designed to introduce young girls to the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and maths. The day will feature a series of workshops, Q&A panels and interactive sessions led by professionals and facilitators from Kainé Management, the National Space Centre and IBM. The session will celebrate Black excellence, whilst planting […]
Sandra A Agard Hon FRSL has been a professional storyteller, writer and literary consultant for over forty years. She has worked in a variety of venues and settings in the UK and internationally. These include schools, colleges theatres, libraries, prisons and in the community. Sandra creates unique interactive storytelling experiences that will make you part […]
Britain Rewritten brings Robert Beckford and Emma Dabiri to Leicester for a powerful exploration of colonial legacies in archives and museums. Opal22 are working alongside Leicester’s cultural and heritage institutions to bring you this thought provoking event. Through keynote talks and an interactive panel with industry experts, the event asks: whose stories are preserved, whose […]
Sandra A Agard Hon FRSL has been a professional storyteller, writer and literary consultant for over forty years. She has worked in a variety of venues and settings in the UK and internationally. These include schools, colleges theatres, libraries, prisons and in the community. Sandra creates unique interactive storytelling experiences that will make you part […]
Phoenix in partnership with Dare to Diva present the Black Resistance and Power of the Supernatural film programme. Ganja & Hess Director: Bill Gunn USA 1973, 1hr 53mins Language: English Genre: Horror/Drama Certificate: 18 Flirting with the conventions of Blaxploitation and horror cinema, Bill Gunn’s revolutionary independent film Ganja & Hess is a highly stylised […]
Cracking The Willie Lynch Code is perhaps the world’s first seminar created to tackle a unique condition that many Black people unwittingly suffer from, which finds its origins in the infamous Willie Lynch publication entitled, Let Us Make a Slave – The Origin And Development Of A Social Being Called The Negro. This system offered […]
Noel Robinson, Vadé, BIG Gospel Choir, Naomi Parchment and more will be joining us on the night, as The Diocese of Leicester celebrates musical talent from the UK’s Black Diaspora. We will also share inspiring local stories of Black life, culture and achievement in the area. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music at […]
Celebrate the original soul legend in an immersive concert experience that goes beyond imitation and captures the essence of the Godfather’s unmatched legacy with The James Brown Experience. Get involved in the movement as you watch high-octane dance numbers, heart-wrenching ballads, and timeless classics that have inspired generations of musicians and activists alike to Get […]
This introductory session invites you to a first encounter with the Black Madonna, her connection to the Cosmic Mother and the hidden wisdom carried through this lineage. We will explore her many faces across Africa, Europe, and the African Diaspora; her role as Creation’s Divine Mother; and the ways her presence has been suppressed, yet […]
Join us for an authentic six-week cookery course celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Caribbean and African cuisine, exploring the history and roots of favourite dishes. Facilitators include Denese Daley-Cole and Connie Francis, who bring passion and expertise to the kitchen. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to perfect your skills, this hands-on […]
Reel Histories is a bold and compelling film programme for Black History Month 2025 that amplifies the cinematic legacies of Black communities across the globe. From poetic reflections on the Windrush generation to revolutionary struggles in the Caribbean, South America and the UK, these films explore themes of resistance, visibility and identity. Reel Histories invites […]
Join Opal22 for a fun, hands-on session just for kids! Discover the fascinating stories behind noseless African statues and what faces can tell us about culture and identity. Get creative and make your own statue to take home! Perfect for curious young minds who love to learn, imagine and build. Free event.
An event to celebrate the first substantial selection of poems by SuAndi, recipient of the Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature. Leaning Against Time collects a poetry of people’s stories. Here the poet tries on and speaks in the voices of characters of all ages, races and genders, but especially those voices rarely […]
Authentic, curious, and gleefully irascible, storyteller and comedian Desiree Burch leads a madcap voyage through the Middle Ages – AKA the mid-life crisis, and its mandatory metamorphosis – in her new stand-up hour. Desiree brings both childlike wonder and crone-like wit to the experiences of losing sleep, relevance, knee cartilage, oestrogen, youth, and illusions in […]
Join us for a powerful and inspiring celebration of Pan-Africanism this Black History Month! The event promises thought-provoking workshops, compelling discussions and community empowerment. From exploring the future of African resources and leadership, to the impact of AI and the legacy of Marcus Garvey, this is your chance to engage in the key questions shaping […]
Hop aboard Opal22’s iconic red double-decker for an unforgettable journey through Leicester’s rich Black history. Back by popular demand for Black History Month 2025, this much-loved tour takes you through the city, revealing powerful stories, hidden histories and landmarks that have shaped the local Black community. Spaces are limited, so book your tickets now and […]
Celebrate Black History Month with us at our Community Day. An afternoon filled with free workshops, drop-in activities, and foyer stage performances that showcase local talent. Expect expressive, entertaining and engaging performances, cultural and creative activities for all and a welcoming and vibrant community atmosphere. Free event.
“Africans Versus Caribbeans”, often seen as a comical source of irreverence and entertainment, is another principle found in the works of William Lynch that encouraged the enslaved to focus on perceived differences – instead of obvious similarities. This attitude only perpetuated disunity, hostility and self-hatred in the minds and lives of those who consciously or […]
There is an ache many of us carry — the quiet pain of disconnection. Disconnection from our roots. From our culture. From the stories we were never told and the ancestors we may not have known how to honour. Re-Presenting Our Ancestors is a sacred, transformative session for anyone who is ready to live fully, […]
Phoenix in partnership with Dare to Diva present the Black Resistance and Power of the Supernatural film programme. Blacula Director: William Crain USA 1972, 1hr 33mins Language: English Genre: Horror/Fantasy Certificate: 15 In this Blaxpolitation classic, an African prince travels to Transylvania in 1780 to seek help from Count Dracula in ending the slave trade, […]
Phoenix in partnership with Dare to Diva present the Black Resistance and Power of the Supernatural film programme. Sinners Director: Ryan Coogler USA 2025, 2hrs 11mins Language: English Genre: Horror Certificate: 15 “You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home”. Director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) reunites with his Creed star […]
Join us for an evening of conversation with author, Marcia Hutchinson, named one of the best New Novelists for 2025 by The Observer, as she discusses her solo literary debut, The Mercy Step. The event will be hosted by Carol Leeming, a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, singer and musician who is noted for her poetry, plays […]
Reel Histories is a bold and compelling film programme for Black History Month 2025 that amplifies the cinematic legacies of Black communities across the globe. From poetic reflections on the Windrush generation to revolutionary struggles in the Caribbean, South America and the UK, these films explore themes of resistance, visibility and identity. Reel Histories invites […]
A special evening celebrating the poetry and words of international poet John Agard and local poet sensations, creating a space for conversation, performance and a Caribbean-style lime. John Agard is a poet, playwright and short story writer who grew up in Guyana, where his love of language stemmed from listening to cricket commentaries on the […]
Leicester Caribbean Carnival was founded in 1985 to promote togetherness and integration for everyone in Leicester, in the wake of civil unrest. This event will feature the premiere of a new documentary and publication to celebrate 40 years of the Leicester Caribbean Carnival. Poetry, interviews and archive materials celebrate the joy and creativity of the […]