Celebrate Black History Season in Camden - Camden Rise

Discover an inspiring programme of film, music, spoken word, visual art, performance, conversation and community-led events taking place across Camden.

This year’s theme, Honouring Our Communities, looks both backwards and forwards, exploring Camden’s Black histories and the people who have shaped them, while celebrating the voices, artists, communities and cultural movements shaping Camden today. 

Highlights include:

• Free author event - Jessica Wilson: If Afros Could Speak on Wednesday 14 October, 4pm to 5.30pm, at Swiss Cottage Library, Swiss Cottage, Central Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA. Join award-winning author Jessica Wilson as she explores the history, symbolism and cultural meanings woven into Afro hair. Through storytelling, creative writing and a fun braiding activity, children will discover the connections between hair, identity, culture and ancestry. Suitable for children aged 7 and above, no pre-booking required
• A free Steel Pan Performance and Workshop led by Camden Music on Saturday 17 October, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, at Swiss Cottage Library, Swiss Cottage, Central Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA. Suitable for all ages, no pre-booking required
• Afro Dance Xplosion 2026: Transcen-dance by Feel the Rhythm Productions on Friday 16 October, 7.30pm to 10.30pm at The Place, 17 Duke's Rd, WC1H 9PY. Price: £22, Concession £18. The Afro Dance Xplosion festival celebrates dance forms from Africa and its Diaspora, bringing together the best of dance, with both homegrown and international artists. Book your place
• See the full Black History Season programme.