2025 - Line up of Events

COME ENJOY THE WHOLE FESTIVAL - POETRY, MUSIC, DANCE , FILM, THEATRE, FOOD, PANELS, WORKSHOPS + MORE! CELEBRATE BLACK ARTS!

Immerse yourself in a compelling short film ‘Negus’, the title bestowed on Emperors of Ethiopia, the Kings of Kings, followed by an open‑mic panel with Akeim Toussaint and Host Ashleigh Nugent.

Join us in partnership with The Tung Auditorium in celebrating local Liverpool Artist Remée - an alternative artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres. Immersive lyrical storytelling and captivating visuals.

Come enjoy poets and wordsmiths bringing their views and experiences to life. Featuring Dionne Simpson, Sabiya, Janoma, –Breaking inter-generational curses to, dark witty,cynical, morbid humour and covering themes of abuse, masculinity, race, culture and identity.

2025 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of BlackBritish composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Tayo Aluko & Friends CIC in partnership with BlackFest
and Liverpool Hope University to hold a Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Day Festival on Saturday 11 October 2025 at Hope University’s creative campus. The day will include some of Coleridge-Taylor’s works featuring singers and instrumentalists singing and playing the composer's music. , and Tayo Aluko’s play, Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown at The Captone Theatre.

The ever so popular sustainable cooking workshop led by award-winning chef Michelle returns with cooking demonstrations with the
aim to improve access to healthy, nutritious food, to help individuals and families develop skills in cooking and nutrition and to reduce food waste.

Come meet and enjoy performances from artists taking part in the Fest from poetry, music, DJ and
browse artisan stalls for you to spoil yourself or a loved one.

Come together for an inspiring dialogue with author, educator, artist, activist Malik Al Nasir hosted by Dr Rebecca Loy as he shares reflections on identity and heritage his 2nd published book, ‘Searching for my Slave Roots.’ With Uplifting performances ft. Hayli Kincade and Wavertree Community Choir.

A dynamic showcase blending rock punk with soulful singer songwriters, featuring Headliner Third Kulture alongside KingFast, Mina and Rafaela

Nina Edge a renowned local Liverpool Visual artist. She works in clay paint and mixed media. Explore her practice in creating patterned work
with various materials.

Robert Awork is a local Liverpool 8 resident and international artist, working in 3D modelling withheritage and archive. He delves into theintersection of technology and community,preserving heritage where best serves its purpose. Explore Robert’s practice mixed media, sculpture and clay work.

Che Burnley Oldhamer and honorary Scouser, in the last few years Che has established his own Showcase show in Edinburgh & Liverpool,
provided tour support for Reginald D Hunter, written his own solo shows and still found time to gig across the country. Join us, Che and supporting acts from Liverpool and beyond.

Experience a transformative dance workshop exploring identity, resistance, and rhythm through movement and poetry. ‘Beatmotion’ a practice
developed by Akeim uses power of voice/vocality and movement.

A day focused on well – being and community connection with ancestral indigenous nutrition workshop from Yammtree, enjoying earthy beats
by ONYX TBH and Sound bath with Gaia. With Stalls to Refresh, rejuvenate, revitalise.

Running all the way through October, meet local artists Curtis Watt, Nina Edge and Robert Awork presenting their works + panel. In the month of October artist will share their practice in a series of workshops.

Curtis is an established local Liverpool multidisciplinary artist. His practice is in sketch, mixed media and surrealist dream translations in pencil, pastels and ink. Explore Creative writing, storytelling, poetry and spoken word followed by sketching your own creative response.

Join us as artists Shak | Chelsey | Resila | BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories
to life. They are using their directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and a combination of singing performing and writing.

Celebrate, Fashion, Music, Dance, Drumming, Skating In collaboration with the Afro Fashion Show UK, we're bringing together a vibrant mix of
culture, creativity, and community. The event will be a dynamic celebration of contemporary fashion, live music, art, skating, stalls and delicious food.