Black History Month 2024 - all the events taking place in Greater Manchester

October has come around and it is that time of year where millions across the country celebrate and recognise the contributions and achievements from black people in the UK and beyond. Every year there is a different theme for those participating to reflect on and enact.

This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Narratives.” It is centred around correcting historical inaccuracies and unearthing and platforming positive untold stories of the black experience highlighting the deep heritage and contributions of the Black community in the UK.

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To mark the special month, there will be a number of events taking place across Greater Manchester. They include exhibitions, comedy shows, theatre productions, talks and much more.

Below is a list of all the events you can visit.

Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) Black History Month GALA

CAHN will be holding their annual Black History Month celebration at the Hilton on Saturday 12 October. It will be a night of celebration, awarding and recognising the many who are making great strides in the black community. Details and tickets can be found here.

Afro Social Black History Month events

“AfroSocial” is a black creative and professional community, set up to address the disparity of spaces available to black professionals living in the city. Through the year they hold a number of events that range form workshops and panels to networking and quiz nights.

For this month they will be holding two events. A black History Month quiz night at Church Street and a networking event to inspire black entrepreneurs living in Manchester.

You can find details for the quiz night here and information for the networking event can be found here.

Creative writing and family crafts

Trafford Libraries are hosting a series of events in which the lives of influential Black figures from Trafford will be celebrated through storytelling and hands-on-craft activities. These events, suitable for all ages, are organised by local organisation Mindseta, a Manchester-based organisation championing cultural transformation.

Bookings can be made here.

Reel Talk film screenings at Ducie Street Warehouse

Reel Talk is an inspiring series of films created by or featuring Black actors and directors designed to spark meaningful conversations and discussions during Black History Month. October 14 is The Colour Purple. If you haven’t seen this 1986 classic, it’s well worth a watch.

For more information, click here.

Danesha at The Lowry

The play based in Preston focuses on Danesha, a young girl who pretends she's in a music video with a black backing group, even though she has no black friends in real life. From the small but mighty Lancashire town of Preston, Danesha finds it hard to find a home thanks to the music of the likes of Little Mix and Miley Cyrus that all the clubs play.

After convincing her friends and telling a small lie to her dad, she plans a night out in Manchester, finding the perfect club with the perfect vibe. Then she meets someone who changes everything in her life.

This coming-of-age story explores Black culture, queer joy, and the journey to embracing one’s authentic self.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Reclaiming Narratives: Celebrating 100 Birthday of Amilcar Cabral

A family day celebrating the contribution of Black Africans from the Portuguese-speaking community in building local communities. The event will be filled with a day of stories, allegories. The event is also held to celebrate the life of Amilcar Cabral, Bissau-Guinean and Cape Verdean agricultural engineer, political organizer, and diplomat who was at the forefront of the anti-colonial movement in Africa.

The event includes a presentation, Q&A with ex-colleagues, family members, and experts, followed by live music, dance performances, a fashion show, children’s activities, food tasting, and an African artisan market.

More information can be found here.

Black Creative Trailblazers 2024

Black creatives take centre stage at the Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase, a glamorous black-tie event celebrating Black art, music, poetry, dance, and fashion during Black History Month. Expect dynamic performances from Black musicians, poets, and dancers, along with fashion shows by independent Black designers and an art exhibition, all exploring this year’s theme of Black Resistance.

The unforgettable evening of Black creativity will take place on October 3 from 6:30pm at Aviva Studios, brought to you by Cultureville in partnership with Factory International. To sign up, click here.

COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special

Comedic talents of Prince Abdi, Kat B, Kyrah Gray and Limahl Germain will be performing at the the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club in Oldham for a special Black History Month show. The event will be taking place on Sunday October 20 and tickets can be bought here.

Auto Trader’s Black History Month Celebration: Reclaiming the Narrative

The car selling company will be hosting a this event at HOME Tuesday October 15. This occasion will focus on spotlighting the stories, contributions and influence of Black voices in shaping industries and communities across the UK.

More information can be found here.