29/09/2023 - Luton celebrates Black History Month honouring the achievements of black women

Cllr Maria Lovell, portfolio holder for Equalities at Luton Council, said: “Black History Month is a time for us to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. It is also a great opportunity to inspire and empower future generations.

“This year, Black History Month 2023 is celebrating the outstanding achievements of black women by focusing on honouring the matriarchs of movements and saluting our sisters. The theme of Celebrating our Sisters emphasises the vital role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

“It’s great to see so many events happening here in Luton and so many different groups celebrating Black History Month with music, film and activities for everyone.”

Black History Month is being celebrated in Luton with events being organised by groups from across the town, including The Culture Trust Luton, Irish Forum, UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton Urban Radio, Ghana Society, Simple Deez, Pride in Luton, Bute Street Film Festival, AVX Luton, Formy Books and the University of Bedfordshire.

Campaigner and social justice advocate Baroness Doreen Lawrence hosts an edition of the University of Bedfordshire’s popular 'An Evening With' public lecture series. Tickets available here.

 

Luton Irish Forum and African and Caribbean community combined Autumn Social event at the Celtic Club, Cobham Street on Wednesday 4 October, 12-3pm. There are a few tickets still available at £6 each from [email protected].

Back by popular demand, quiz night returns this time hosted by Bute Street Festival. Join Bute Street in an evening of light hearted quiz fun. 

A night showcasing the music and dance talent of up and coming artists from Luton and the surrounding areas, hosted by Skills Lab, the Luton based mentoring project creating positive opportunities for young people through music and media.

Trinidadian Carnival artist Carl Gabriel has achieved international renown for his large-scale sculptures, lovingly handcrafted through the art of traditional wire bending. Join Carl for a masterclass exploring work from his 50 year career and learn the traditional techniques of wire bending and papier-mâché.

After the successful Windrush day event at Luton Mall back in June this year, Luton Urban Radio invites you to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Windrush at a night of cabaret entertainment on the 7 October at Club Lewsey. This event will be hosted by Mr Cee, live PAs from Vivian “Sugar Love” Jones and Lickle Jay and spoken word from Veronica E-Poet. Music on the night from Luton Urban Radio’s Ricky Ninja, Lovelite and K-Splash.

A stellar debut film from award-winning journalist Nadine White, Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind peels back the layered tales of Caribbean youngsters who grew up away from their parents before migrating to join them in Britain.

Calling all music enthusiasts in Luton! Whether you are a beat-maker, sound-designer, producer, or spoken word artist, or just enjoy music - get ready for a series of incredible live electronic and acoustic beats at the Luton Beatz Lab.

Launch event at the Town Hall, Luton. To find out more contact [email protected]

Drag King Sensation Don One will be hosting a fun evening of entertainment bringing the soul and reggae to Luton straight from his performance at Glastonbury earlier this year.

Join Bute Street for an exhilarating evening, where creativity and inspiration collide. Immerse yourself in a captivating panel discussion, in collaboration with The:Nublk and the British Blacklist, featuring trailblazing creatives from across the media industry.

Back by popular demand celebrating Black History, and continuing to drive open and meaningful conversations relevant to the Black community in Luton, The Culture Trust has partnered with local community activists and businesses to bring you an evening discussion about what it means to be Black in Luton.

A cultural exhibition showcasing Ghanaian artefacts and demonstration of weaving of the symbolic kente cloth. Culture Clubs in schools delivering African history, drumming workshops, music and dancing.

Celebrating Black Culture; An inspiring showcase of carefully curated black businesses brought to you in collaboration with Simply Deez Events CIC. With a variety of vendors offering a range of products and materials, and culinary delights it's guaranteed to be a quality shopping and cultural experience.

Formy Books is having a party! They will be celebrating the publication day of their latest picture book with a fun and free family event; books, activities and goodie bags for the children, and much more.

If you've ever wanted to learn to play this incredible instrument, now's your chance! This Steel Pan workshop is the perfect opportunity to get started as an expert will guide you through the basics of playing, and you'll even have the chance to learn a song. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to discover the joy of Steel Pan!

Join the UK Centre for Carnival Arts for fun and creative ship inspired carnival costume making! Make your ship carnival headdress celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Windrush or walk the plank with a Caribbean pirate ship!

Get your hands on the beautiful djembe drums and learn the intricacies of playing West-African rhythms in this musical workshop. Participants not only get to learn the techniques but also experience the joy of creating music with their own hands.

Award winning comedian Nabil Abdulrashid is hitting the road with his brand-new show, The Purple Pill. Join the star of Live at the Apollo for this “unapologetically funny” (Telegraph) exploration of empathy, morality and political contradiction.

The Hope Gala Ball is all about remembering forgotten women from the past and present. These special individuals fought in the war and have done remarkable work in the community, including work around Windrush. Dignitaries and notable figures will be in attendance. Anyone and everyone is welcome to buy tickets and participate in the celebration. 

The Ball will also launch the exhibition Celebrating the Forgotten Black Women Heroes Past and Present which will raise the awareness and celebrate the forgotten Black women who fought in the Second World and changed the course of history.

An exciting Black History Month celebration of Gospel and inspirational music of Black origin.

Following its launch at the Hope Gala Ball the exhibition will move to The Luton Mall

The Kente Gala is the finale of the Kente Fest, an annual celebration of Ghanaian and African culture.

For more information about events in Luton see the What’s On guide at Step Forward Luton.