Black History Month is a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society. Throughout October, there are numerous events happening across the Square Mile, spanning the arts, business, literature, history and so much more. At the City of London Corporation, we hope you are able to attend some of these activities, along with your friends and colleagues.
If you know of other events in the City of London not listed here, please email belonging@cityoflondon.gov.uk and we will do our best to promote them.
TMK Carnival 2026: From Roots to Influence
A lively evening celebrating Black culture, history and community through live music, performances, interactive exhibitions and great food. Discover the people, stories and moments that have reshaped Black history, while connecting with colleagues from across the insurance market and enjoying plenty of carnival energy.
Dr Johnson's House: A House for Miss Pauline, Diana McCaulay & Sara Collins in Conversation
Dr Johnson’s House welcomes 2026 Ondaatje Prize winner Diana McCaulay for a conversation on her profound and brilliant new novel.
Slavery and the Square Mile – A Hidden Story
This illustrated talk uncovers the hidden links connecting the Square Mile and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Through the lives of merchants, abolitionists, investors, and Black Londoners, you’ll discover the the streets, buildings and institutions connected to this history, revealing how global events left their mark on the very heart of London.
Speed Networking (Black History Month)
Junior and mid-level lawyers and business services professionals are invited to join us for a speed networking session with inspiring in-house and private practice leaders.
Culture Mile Black History Walking Tour
The Culture Mile BID has commissioned renowned expert Tony Warner to curate and deliver a walking tour uncovering the fascinating stories of Black Londoners in this unique area of the Square Mile.
iCAN Wellbeing Webinar - BHM 2026 - Understanding Sickle Cell
Join iCAN this Black History Month for a keynote on sickle cell, awareness, advocacy, lived experience and workplace support.
Black Tudors City of London Walk
Explore London's hidden past! Deconstructing race through the overlooked stories of Black Tudors on our immersive City walking tour.
Culture Mile Black History Walking Tour
The Culture Mile BID has commissioned renowned expert Tony Warner to curate and deliver a walking tour uncovering the fascinating stories of Black Londoners in this unique area of the Square Mile.
Always, Already There - The Afrodiasporic Avant-Garde Incubator Project
The first UK edition of George Lewis’s Afrodiasporic Incubator project, curated by vocalist and composer Elaine Mitchener, presented by the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
iCAN Pulse Virtual Event
Join iCAN for a special UK & USA virtual panel celebrating 100 years of Black History Month
Searching for Sancho: Celebrate the life, work and music of Ignatius Sancho
Join The London Archives and Northeastern University London in this special evening event to celebrate the life of Ignatius Sancho.
iCAN Black-Owned Market 2026 – 6th Annual Edition
Save the date for iCAN’s 6th Annual Black-Owned Market, showcasing Black-owned businesses to the insurance community.
Black Introvert Week UK 2026
Wellbeing at Work: An evening of grounded conversation for Black introverts navigating work, boundaries, and authentic leadership.
Black Tudors City of London Walk
Explore London's hidden past! Deconstructing race through the overlooked stories of Black Tudors on our immersive City walking tour.
Black Tudors City of London Walk
Explore London's hidden past! Deconstructing race through the overlooked stories of Black Tudors on our immersive City walking tour.
Honouring our Communities, Creating Opportunity - with Christine Ohuruogu MBE
iCAN, in partnership with BMS, Chaucer, Westfield Specialty, Markel and Arch International, invites you to celebrate Black History Month 2026 with a powerful evening of leadership, community, and connection.
Black British Book Festival 2026
Back for its fifth year, the Black British Book Festival is a landmark celebration of Black books, ideas and culture with Candice Carty-Williams, Corinne Bailey Rae, Wretch 32 and more.
Guildhall Black History Month Gala
An evening reflecting community, creativity, and cultural resonance. This gala will provide an opportunity to honour our communities, celebrating the Black British experience and the contributions of Black professionals across the financial and wider professional services sectors.
Ambiguous Encounters: ALGIERS – The Pan-African Festival of Algiers 196
As part of the Barbican’s landmark Project a Black Planet season, Ambiguous Encounters: ALGIERS – The Pan-African Festival of Algiers 1969 explores one of the defining moments in twentieth-century Pan-African history through a remarkable programme of rare films, restored archive footage and contemporary documentary.
Black Tudors City of London Walk
Explore London's hidden past! Deconstructing race through the overlooked stories of Black Tudors on our immersive City walking tour.
Project a Black Planet -The Art and Culture of Panafrica
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 250 works – from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film.
Project a Black Planet: Film
Accompanying the exhibition, this film programme traces the circulation of Pan-African ideas through cinema, art, and cultural practice across the 20th century until now.