6.72°C Black History Month returns to Colchester this October with a wide-ranging programme of music, comedy, dance, exhibitions, workshops, food, film, discussion and community events taking place across the town. Venues including Colchester Arts Centre, Slack Space, the University of Essex, Lakeside Theatre and community spaces will host celebrations exploring identity, heritage, culture and creativity throughout the month.
Saturday 1 October
Midday
Colchester Arts Centre – Freedom Sound Reggae Market Launch Event
Freedom Sounds African and Caribbean Reggae Market Day features vibrant stalls, delicious food, music, dance performances and family entertainment. Followed by a live performance from Wayne MacAuthor & the Universal Players from 7.00pm until midnight.
Admission: FREE to all daytime activities.
£4 from 7.00pm – midnight.
Sunday 2 October
8pm
Colchester Arts Centre – Omid Djalili (Sold Out)
Multi-award-winning stand-up television and movie star Omid Djalili is back on tour with a warm-up for his brand new comedy show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances. Omid was the winner of the Best Actor Award for his lead performance in The Infidel at the Turin Film Festival. “Right now, the Iranian Djalili is probably one of the most subversive, let alone funniest, comedians around.”
Wednesday 5 October – Saturday 22 October
Slack Space – Who is Black “One Drop”
Inspired by the BHM theme of “Identity”. An art exhibition featuring a series of paintings and photos entitled “One Drop,” which represent the differences in the colours of black people of mixed heritage.
Admission: Free
Thursday 6 October
11am
University of Essex – Lenore is from Trinidad
Under-fives and their families will be delighted by stories and songs from the Caribbean with Aunty Lenore.
At Essex University Creche Library.
7pm
Slack Space – Mini Festival
A day of music and celebration of African culture and art with images and sculptures provided by Boudicia Gallery.
Admission: Free
Friday 7 October
7.30pm
Slack Space – Mini Festival
Fusion Dance Hall Workshop, music and performances. A vibrant and explosive dance workshop featuring Sanna Jay Dance Co.
Admission: Free
Saturday 8 October
8pm
Slack Space – Mini Festival
Salsa Dance Night with DJ Mgjazz playing salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton. Introduction to salsa with instructor Malcolm Green.
Admission: Free
Wednesday 12 October – Friday 14 October (4pm)
Saturday 15 October (11am)
Slack Space – Uganda or UK
Family event for parents and children aged 6 to 14 with hands-on activities exploring similarities and differences of everyday life in Africa and the UK.
Admission: Free
Thursday 13 October
8pm
Colchester Arts Centre – Poetry Slam
A multi-poet battle royal for lyrical supremacy. Open to all.
Email max@colchesterartscentre.com to take part.
Friday 14 October
7pm
University of Essex – Sanna Jay Dance Co
Fusion Dance Hall Workshop, music and performances.
Admission: Free
At the University of Essex, Events Hall.
Saturday 15 October
8pm – Late
University of Essex – Bring Back the Slow Jamms
A night of 80s and 90s soul, R&B and reggae. Rare slow jams and lovers’ rock reggae tunes.
£4 advance tickets, £5 at the door.
At University of Essex, Events Hall.
Monday 17 October
7.30pm
Slack Space – Cicely Caribbean Cooking
Cooking tips, recipes and West Indies food tasting with Cicely Cakes.
Admission and food: Donations
Thursday 20 October
8pm
Colchester Arts Centre – Asere and the Sound of Cuba
Seven musicians drawing inspiration from traditional Cuban songs with a contemporary edge.
Admission: £10 / £8 concessions
University of Essex – Global Dignity Day
“Out of Slavery” with Nardia Foster. Explore the history and identity of black Caribbean people in Britain.
More info: drplus@essex.ac.uk
Admission: Free
Friday 21 October
8pm
Slack Space – Committee Soiree
Informal gathering of the Colchester Black History Month committee.
Admission: Free
Saturday 22 October
8pm
Slack Space – Who is Black “One Drop” Finale
Presented by Lawrence Walker with special guest Nardia Foster, author of Out of Slavery. Workshop, lecture and book review.
Admission: Free
Sunday 23 October
11am
Layer Fox Pub – “Miles for Smiles” Charity Walk
Walk 5 or 10 miles starting from the Layer Fox Pub through Friday Woods. Funds raised for favourite charities.
Tuesday 25 October
1pm
University of Essex – African Diaspora and the Culture of Latin America
Informal lunchtime session exploring the impact of the African Diaspora on Latin American culture.
More info: ldev@essex.ac.uk
Admission: Free
Friday 28 October
7.30pm
Lakeside Theatre – An African Affair
Evening of African food and entertainment, including spoken word, music and dance.
Admission: Free
Saturday 29 October
1pm
University of Essex Students Union – Black History Month Fair
Live music, food stalls, culturally diverse items and attractions for children.
Special thanks to the University of Essex Equality and Diversity Unit.
For further information, visit www.bhmcolchester.co.uk
