Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Headliner Zone
Your Festival Pass will give you access to one of these headline events. A VIP Pass will give you access to all headline events.
Rediscovering Malcolm X: Revolution, Resistance, and the Fight for True Freedom
With Kehinde Andrews, Dawn Butler and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
1pm, Milton Court
Radical, visionary and uncompromising – join us to unpack the real Malcolm X. Kehinde Andrews, Dawn Butler MP and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu lead this bold conversation about revolution, truth and his lasting legacy.
Malcolm X wasn’t just a symbol of Black pride – he was a revolutionary force. Too often reduced to a soundbite or softened to fit mainstream narratives, his legacy has been distorted, diluted, and misunderstood.
This powerful conversation goes beyond the surface to explore the real Malcolm - the thinker, the radical, the visionary. Inspired by Nobody Can Give You Freedom by Kehinde Andrews, join Labour MP Dawn Butler, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu and Shaka Ra as they unpack how Malcolm’s message still shakes the status quo today.
Expect bold truths, fearless dialogue, and deep insight into one of the most important political voices of the 20th century.
Horizons & Heartbreak: In Conversation with Jordan Stephens
2.30pm, Milton Court
Jordan Stephens gets real on fame, healing, and fatherhood at this in-conversation event about his powerful, personal journey through art, identity and healing.
Step into the mind of Jordan Stephens, multi-hyphenate creative, Sunday Times bestselling author and one half of the iconic duo Rizzle Kicks, at this unfiltered and powerful discussion.
From chart-topping fame to creative reinvention, Jordan opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope that fuels his work. He’ll share the deeply personal journey behind his new children’s book See For Yourself, a moving, magical story about a boy, his dad, and the courage to dream wildly.
Expect honest reflections, raw vulnerability, and inspiring insight into creativity and what it really means to grow up in the spotlight and still stay true to yourself.
The Shape of Us: Legacy, Identity and Thriving in the Spotlight
With June Sarpong OBE, Dame Denise Lewis DBE and Symeon Brown
4pm, Milton Court
Two of the most iconic Black British women in media. One unforgettable conversation.
Don't miss this powerhouse conversation between June Sarpong OBE and Dame Denise Lewis DBE, exploring legacy, identity, and reinvention with award-winning journalist Symeon Brown.
Join broadcasting pioneer, author and Akan Books founder June Sarpong OBE, and Olympic legend turned television powerhouse Dame Denise Lewis DBE, as they sit down with award-winning journalist Symeon Brown (Channel 4 News, The Good, The Black and The Boujee) for a bold, brilliant discussion on legacy, identity, and reinvention.
From breaking barriers in sport and media to shaping global conversations on race, gender, and representation, this panel dives into what it truly means to thrive in the spotlight. Expect honesty, insight, and the kind of wisdom only decades of excellence can bring.
This is more than a talk. It’s a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and owning your narrative.
The Big Payback: Reparations, Power and the Price of Justice
With Sir Lenny Henry, Marcus Ryder and Eric Collins
5.30pm, Milton Court
Sir Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder explore reparations, justice, and Britain’s true legacy. A fearless call for truth, equity, and accountability, chaired by Eric Collins.
Who pays for the past and who decides the price?
Join legendary actor and campaigner Sir Lenny Henry and award-winning journalist Marcus Ryder as they confront one of the most urgent moral questions of our time: reparations. In this ground-breaking conversation, chaired by leading entrepreneur Eric Collins, the co-authors of The Big Payback: The Case for Reparations for Slavery and How They Would Work? unpack the true legacy of slavery and systemic injustice in Britain.
Why were the perpetrators compensated – but not the victims? What would real reparative justice look like? And is Britain ready to reckon with the truth?
From Westminster to Windrush, from cultural amnesia to corporate accountability, this conversation goes beyond headlines – to demand clarity, courage, and a new definition of equity.
Doing a New Thing: In Conversation with Tabitha Brown
With Tabitha Brown and Oti Mabuse
7pm, Milton Court
Join “America’s Mom” Tabitha Brown, New York Times bestselling author, actress, entrepreneur, and vegan inspiration for an uplifting evening in conversation with broadcaster and dance star Oti Mabuse.
Tabitha’s latest book I Did a New Thing invites us all to embrace change one step at a time whether it’s trying a new food, facing a fear, or having that brave conversation we’ve been putting off. What began as her personal 30-day challenge has blossomed into a life philosophy that transformed her health, career, and outlook.
In this intimate and joy-filled discussion, Oti Mabuse will guide Tabitha through stories of courage, entrepreneurship, faith, and fresh starts exploring how simple acts of saying “yes” to something new can spark lasting transformation.
Expect laughter, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart as these two powerhouse women share how to find healing, purpose, and joy one new thing at a time.
Children's Zone
Dance Just Like So! A Rhythm-Filled Storytime with Annemarie Anang
12pm-12:30pm, Fountain Room 1, Level G
For ages 3-7
Join author and performer Annemarie Anang for a fun-filled interactive session based on her heartwarming picture book Dance Just Like So!. Follow the story of Kwesi and his gran as they dance, find their rhythm, and discover the power of community, confidence, and culture. Whether you're a tiny toe-tapper or a big-time boogier — everyone’s welcome on the dance floor.
The Flower Block: A Storytime Adventure in Bloom
1pm – 1.30pm, Fountain Room 1, Level G
For ages 3-7
Step into a magical garden adventure with Lanisha Butterfield, author of Flower Block! This playful, hands-on storytelling workshop follows young Jeremiah and his towering sunflower as it grows high above the city streets, with a few surprises along the way. Through music, movement, and imaginative games, children will help bring the sunflower’s journey to life, meet quirky neighbours, and explore how nature connects us all.
Farmyard Magic: Storytime & Animals with JB Gill
2.30pm - 3pm, Fountain Room 1, Level G
For ages 6-12
Step into the magical world of Ace and the Animal Heroes in this fun, interactive session inspired by JB Gill’s exciting book, The Wacky Weather Mystery. Young adventurers will join Ace and his talking animal friends as they explore how a pair of magical yellow wellies help him solve strange weather problems on the farm. This lively workshop celebrates friendship, teamwork, and caring for the environment.
Curls, Coils & Creativity: A Live Art & Hair Care Workshop
1.30pm - 2.30pm, Fountain Room 2, Level G
For all ages
Celebrate the beauty of textured hair in this joyful, hands-on workshop blending live art, hair play, and self-care. Join Salomey Doku, illustrator of Tyrone's Cool Crown, as she brings vibrant characters to life on the big screen, while Melody Duhaney-Walters and LUSH HairLab Brighton Stylists lead a fun, practical session using interactive hair dolls to explore how to care for and style Afro and curly hair. Perfect for families, especially parents and carers with a different hair type to their child.
Dark Secrets & Deadly Games: Writing YA Thrillers That Hook You
3pm-4pm, Fountain Room 2, Level G
For ages 12+
Join three of the most exciting voices in YA thrillers — Tomi Oyemakinde (We Are Hunted), Benjamin Dean (Bury Your Friends), and Helen Comerford (The Hero Complex) — as they dive into the secrets behind the perfect page-turner. Chaired by Busayo Matuluko (Til Death), this gripping panel explores how to write twists that shock, characters you can’t forget, and high-stakes plots that keep readers up all night. Whether you’re a thriller superfan, an aspiring author, or just love a good mystery, you’ll get insider tips, writing wisdom, and maybe a few twists of your own.
Real, Raw & Relatable: YA Poetry That Speaks
4.30pm-5.30pm, Fountain Room 2, Level G
For ages 12+
What makes a poem feel like it was written just for you? In this open and inspiring session, poets and novelists Ella McLeod, Dean Atta, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence share how they craft YA poetry that captures real life in all its rhythm, rawness, and beauty. From identity, love, and ambition to grief, friendship, and self-discovery, they’ll explore how poetry gives young people a language for their deepest truths. Chaired by writer and cultural commentator Ehireme Omoaka, this is a must-attend conversation for anyone who believes poetry can speak directly to the heart — and maybe even change it. Come for the words. Stay for the rhythm. Leave with lines you’ll never forget.
Powerhouse Zone
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Untold Stories of Black British History
2pm - 3pm, Frobisher Auditorium 1
From forgotten cities to erased changemakers, this powerful panel uncovers the histories that Britain tried to bury. Join authors Lanre Bakare (We Were There), Paterson Joseph (TEN: Children Who Changed The World), and historian Imaobong Umoren (Empire Without End) as they shine a light on the Black British voices, movements, and legacies too often left out of the national story. Chaired by author Colin Grant, author and director of WritersMosaic, together they’ll explore what it means to reclaim the past, reframe our present, and reshape the future through truth-telling.
The Girl Who Broke the Internet: 20 Years of Keisha the Sket
4pm - 5pm, Frobisher Auditorium 1
Before viral storytelling had a name, there was Keisha the Sket. In 2005, a 13-year-old Jade LB changed the game — serialising her bold, raw, text-speak story on Piczo and MSN. It spread like wildfire through Black British teenage circles, long before social media, long before publishing was ready. Now, 20 years on, Keisha the Sket is more than a cult classic — it’s a landmark in Black British literature. Join author Jade LB and original editor Lemara Lindsay-Prince (founder of Studio Lemara, formerly #Merky Books) as they reflect on the story’s underground beginnings, its powerful 2021 republication with Stormzy’s imprint, and the cultural shift it ignited.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
6pm - 7.30pm, Cinema 1, Level -2
Join the Black British Book Festival in partnership with The New Black Film Collective for a screening of Raoul Peck’s acclaimed documentary I Am Not Your Negro (2016). Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film adapts James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House to explore the stories of civil rights icons Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., framing a searing critique of racism in the United States.
Sugar & Spice: Bold Bakes and Comfort Food with Remi Idowu
1pm - 2pm, Conservatory Terrace, Level 4
Sweet, spicy, and seriously satisfying — this cookery session serves joy by the spoonful. Join food content creator and cookbook author Remi Idowu for a live workshop inspired by her bold and brilliant debut, Sugar & Spice. Known for her viral twists on nostalgic bakes and comfort food classics, Remi will guide you through her signature style; easy recipes with a punch of personality.
Rooted in Resistance: Black Voices on Climate, Nature & Radical Futures
3pm-4pm, Conservatory Terrace, Level 4
What does it mean to belong to a world that’s burning — and still find beauty in its bloom? In this timely and powerful conversation, poet and essayist Selina Nwulu (Black Climates) and researcher and storyteller Joycelyn Longdon (Natural Connection) join climate expert Brianna Craft (We Don’t Have Time For This) to explore the intersection of nature, race, and resistance. Together, they’ll unpack how climate change and environmental injustice disproportionately impact Black communities — and why any conversation about the future of the planet must centre those most affected.
Speculative Realms: Fantasy, Futures & the Boundless Black Imagination
5pm - 6pm, Conservatory Terrace, Level 4
From sun-drenched kingdoms to haunted cityscapes, acclaimed authors Marvellous Michael Anson (Firstborn of the Sun), Irenosen Okojie (Curandera), and Adam Oyebanji (Esperance) are expanding the edges of speculative fiction, crafting mythologies rooted in African and diasporic traditions, and reimagining the future through a distinctly Black lens. Chaired by T.L. Huchu (Secrets of the First School), this conversation explores fantasy, futurism, and everything in between.
Killer Lines: Black Voices Rewriting Crime Fiction
7pm - 8pm, Conservatory Terrace, Level 4
From suspicious deaths to missing people, buried secrets to village mysteries — join three exciting voices in crime fiction who know how to keep you guessing until the very last page. Remi Kone (Innocent Guilt), Foday Mannah (The Search for Othella Savage), and Paula Sutton (The Body in the Kitchen Garden) sit down with bestselling author Nadine Matheson to explore what makes a great mystery, how to build suspense, and why crime fiction is one of the most addictive genres around.
Spark Ideas Zone
She Rises: Black Women, Storytelling & the Power to Reimagine
1pm-2pm, Pit Theatre, Level -2
What does it mean to write Black womanhood across generations, continents, and histories - and still dream forward? In this rich and intimate conversation, authors Lola Jaye (The Manual for Good Wives), Charmaine Wilkerson (Good Dirt), and Christina Fonthes (Where You Go, I Will Go) explore how their fiction gives voice to the complexity, beauty, and boldness of being a Black woman in the world. Chaired by writer and editor Jendella Benson, this panel delves into stories of survival and softness, identity and resistance, love, lineage, and liberation.
Love, Chaos & a Soft Life: Reclaiming Romance Through Black Women’s Stories
3pm-4pm, Pit Theatre, Level -2
In a world that often sidelines Black women’s pleasure, vulnerability, and softness - these authors are flipping the script. Join Bolu Babalola (Sweet Heat), Stephanie Yeboah (Chaotic Energy), and Lisa Bent (Symona’s Still Single) for a powerful conversation on writing love stories that centre Black women’s desires, flaws, joy, and freedom. Chaired by Kya Buller, co-founder of The Read Room, this panel explores how romance becomes a radical act - one that affirms self-worth, disrupts stereotypes, and embraces chaos as part of healing.
Awakened in the Dark: A Blindfolded Journey with Kelechi Okafor
5pm-6pm, Pit Theatre, Level -2
Step into the world of Awakened - the hotly anticipated novel by acclaimed writer and cultural commentator Kelechi Okafor - in a storytelling experience like no other. Set in a near-future London haunted by disappearances and dark conspiracies, Awakened follows journalist Pels Badmus as she peels back the layers of a chilling mystery. In this immersive workshop, you’ll be in the dark as Kelechi reads live from the novel - heightening your senses, deepening your focus, and inviting your imagination to run wild. Feel every word, every moment, every twist of tension.
Pitch to Published: Inside the Journey with Hachette UK
1pm-2pm, Frobisher Auditorium 1, Level 4
Breaking into the book world can feel overwhelming, especially for debut authors. In this practical and transparent session, experts from Hachette UK offer a rare insider’s look into the full publishing journey - from pitching your manuscript to landing a book deal, and everything that follows. Join Hennah Sandhu (Marketing Manager at Orion), Narjas Zatat (Senior Publicity Manager at Little, Brown), Rebekah West (Editorial Director at Little, Brown), Daja Din (Non-Trade Executive at Hachette UK), and joint panel chairs Patrice Nelson and Lucy Malagoni.
Securing Representation: How Black Writers Can Find the Right Literary Agent
3pm-4pm, Frobisher Auditorium 1, Level 4
Landing a literary agent can be the game-changing first step in a writer’s publishing journey - but how do you find the right one, and what does the process really involve? This practical and empowering session is designed specifically for emerging Black writers looking to break into traditional publishing. Join leading agents Kerry-Ann Bentley, Davinia Andrew-Lynch, and Sile Edwards in conversation with Yolanda Copes-Stepney for a transparent look at the role of agents, how to pitch with confidence, and what makes a submission stand out in today’s crowded market.
Do Not Disturb: Writing, Acting & the Rise of Black British Audio Drama
5pm-6pm, Frobisher Auditorium 1, Level 4
What does it take to make a hit audio drama that’s smart, sexy, and unapologetically Black? In this behind-the-scenes session, we go deep into Do Not Disturb — the riotously funny, wildly relatable Audible Original written by Sherise Blackman, which follows three South Londoners on a quest for good sex, real friendship, and a little peace and quiet. Hosted by Akua Gyamfi, this conversation brings Sherise together with cast members Richard Blackwood, Martins Imhangbe and Saffron Coomber, and director Ethosheia Hylton, for a frank and funny look at the making of one of the standout audio productions of the year.
Writing the Windrush Forward with The Voice
2pm-3pm, Frobisher Auditorium 2, Level 4
The story of the Windrush Generation is one of courage, determination, and hope — but it doesn’t end there. In this special conversation hosted by The Voice, writers Kuba Shand-Baptiste, and Yvonne Bailey-Smith share the voices, memories, and everyday experiences of the second and third generations who grew up in the legacy of Windrush. Together, they will reflect on family histories, community life, and the ways Caribbean heritage continues to shape identity in Britain today. From the struggles and triumphs of their parents and grandparents to their own journeys in writing and storytelling, this panel celebrates the strength of community and the power of passing stories forward.
Beyond the Pledge: Building a Truly Inclusive & Sustainable Publishing Industry
4pm-5pm, Frobisher Auditorium 2, Level 4
In the years since 2020, the publishing industry made bold promises about equity and representation. But how much has really changed — and how do we ensure progress isn’t just performative, but permanent? Join Farrah Serroukh (CLPE), Nels Abbey (Black Writers’ Guild), Melody Triumph (The Black Curriculum) and Aimee Felone (Knights Of) in conversation with Jasmine Richards (Storymix) as they explore what meaningful change looks like — from who gets published and paid, to who holds power and makes decisions behind the scenes.
The Future of Love: Why Romantasy Is Taking Over Everything with Pan Macmillan
6pm-7pm, Frobisher Auditorium 2, Level 4
From enemies-to-lovers and chosen ones to fated mates and emotional chaos, romantasy is exploding in pop culture — across books, film, streaming, and fan communities. But who gets to be at the centre of these epic love stories? Join bestselling author Talia Hibbert and the team behind publishing house Tor/Pan Macmillan — Aje Roberts, Olivia-Savannah Roach, and Carol-Anne Royer — for a fun, honest conversation about why this genre is blowing up, who it’s for, and how it’s finally making space for more diverse love, heroes, and happily-ever-afters.
Free Cultural Activities
Visit the Foyer on Level G and Level -1 for a free programme of talks, workshops, and performances from 12pm . Hosted by the Black British Book Festival, come dream up your first novel, catch a poetry show or simply get stuck into a good book.
All workshops are drop-in, no ticket required.
DJ AG: Beats & Stories in Motion
3.30pm - 4.30pm, Freestage, Level G
Get ready for a high-energy night with DJ AG, bringing you an unforgettable DJ set featuring surprise special guests and unforgettable beats. Tunes will flow seamlessly as DJ AG takes you through a dynamic mix, while special guests drop in to spin, sing, or hype the crowd. Expect moments where the audience helps steer the show—shouting out song requests, reacting to drop surprises, and being part of the live experience. Join for an event where DJ AG and friends turn up the volume, and you turn up the interaction.
Inside the Editor’s Room: 1:1’s with Pan Macmillan
1pm-4pm, Level G Studio, Level G
Ever wondered what makes an editor stop and say yes to a manuscript? This is your chance to find out. Join Pan Macmillan editors for an exclusive opportunity to discuss your projects, ask questions, and get tailored advice on writing, pitching, and navigating the publishing industry. You’ll meet Ebruba Abel-Unokan (Assistant Editor of literary and speculative fiction at Picador), Gillian Green (Publisher at Tor, Bramble, Nightfire), and Kesia Lupo (Commissioning Editor at Macmillan Children’s Books – First Ink). Whether you’re writing contemporary realism, genre-bending YA, speculative fiction, or romance with a twist, this event is designed to help you refine your work and understand what today’s editors are looking for. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your curiosity—and step inside the editor’s room.
Bloodlines & Boundaries: Writing Mothers, Daughters & the Stories We Weren’t Meant to Tell
1pm - 1.40pm, Level -1 Foyer
What gets passed down through bloodlines — and what gets buried? In this fearless, emotionally charged conversation, three powerful storytellers — Celeste Mohammed, Olumide Popoola, and Marcia Hutchinson — dig into the raw truths of motherhood, survival, and the silences that shape generations. From hidden grief and mental health struggles to migration, colonial trauma, and complicated faith, they explore what daughters inherit, what mothers carry, and what it takes to break the cycle. Chaired by Jackson P Brown, this session is about writing the stories we were never meant to tell — and reclaiming the ones we weren’t supposed to survive. Come for the pain, stay for the power. This is writing as witness, resistance, and release.
Breaking Barriers: How Underrepresented Authors are Owning Their Publishing Power
2pm - 2.40pm, Level -1 Foyer
Bringing together pioneering voices from across the industry — including New Beacon Books, Daniella Blechner, Lola Moore, and Mayowa Precious Agbabiaka — and moderated by Ben Hughes and Chris Sako of IngramSpark, this panel will explore how Black authors are carving their own paths in publishing. From self-publishing successes to creative ways of reaching readers, breaking into bookstores, and building community support, the discussion will highlight real stories of resilience, innovation, and impact. Audiences will leave with practical tips, relatable examples, and a renewed sense of confidence to pursue their own publishing journeys.
Culinary Cultures: Storytelling Through Caribbean Food
3pm - 3.40pm, Level -1 Foyer
Join Keshia Sakarah, author of Caribe, for a rich discussion about the power of food writing to honour heritage and spark cultural change. Too often flattened into stereotypes, Caribbean cuisine holds multitudes — from ancestral knowledge to contemporary reinvention. This conversation explores how documenting African and Caribbean foodways can preserve identity, challenge misrepresentation, and celebrate the emotional depth of family recipes. Come hungry for more than food — come for stories that nourish legacy.
Roots & Reigns: Reclaiming African Histories and Power
4pm - 4.40pm, Level -1 Foyer
Who were we before colonialism told us who to be? Join acclaimed authors Luke Pepera (Motherland) and Paula Akpan (When We Ruled) for a bold and expansive conversation on reclaiming African history — and with it, identity, pride, and power. From Pepera’s sweeping exploration of 500,000 years of African civilisation to Akpan’s vivid retelling of the lives of African queens and warriors, this session unearths stories long silenced by empire and distortion. Together, they’ll reflect on what it means to reconnect with ancestral truth, challenge historical erasure, and write ourselves back into the centre of our narratives. This is more than history — it’s restoration, remembrance, and resistance.
Beyond the Algorithm: Black Writers, AI, and the Battle for Creative Power
5pm - 5.40pm, Level -1 Foyer
As AI continues to reshape the publishing landscape, urgent questions emerge: Who gets copied? Who gets erased? And who gets to tell their story? Join acclaimed authors Phoebe McIntosh, Rivers Solomon, and Lisa Smith in conversation with Hachette editor Hannah Chukwu for a timely, essential discussion on how automation and algorithm-driven systems are already impacting the future of Black literature. From AI models trained on pirated work to the erasure of underrepresented voices in data-driven publishing, this session explores the tension between innovation and exploitation — and how Black writers can protect, adapt, and lead in a rapidly shifting digital space. This is not just a conversation about the future of tech. It’s about the future of storytelling.
Black British Marketplace
Black British Marketplace
Open 12pm – 5.30pm in the Level G Foyer
Step into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and community. With live entertainment, DJ sets, and interactive brand activations, the marketplace is a celebration of Black heritage, featuring rare and self-published books, handcrafted goods, and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences.
Free entry. No ticket required. Just bring your curiosity.
Venues
Milton Court is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.
Fountain Room 1 is located on Level G
Fountain Room 2 is located on Level G
Cinema 1 is located on Level -2 (2 mins from Level G)
Pit Theatre is located on Level -2 (2 mins from Level G)
Conservatory Terrace is located on Level 4 (5 mins from Level G)
Frobisher Auditorium 1 is located on Level 4 (7 mins from Level G)
Frobisher Auditorium 2 is located on Level 4 (10 mins from Level G)
Barbican Centre
Location
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
