Reading Reveals Programme For Black History Month 2025
- Black History Month 2025 in Reading offers music, dance, and theatre events throughout October.
- Many events low-cost or free of charge at venues across the Borough.
A VARIED AND ENGAGING programme of music, dance, theatre will feature in next month’s Black History Month celebrations.
This year's events - taking place in venues across the borough throughout October - highlight the rich and multifaceted heritage of Black communities and the significant and ongoing contribution they have made to Reading and across the country.
There is a packed line-up of inspiring and dance workshops, thought-provoking film and theatre, award-winning live music, and more. Many of the events free of charge.
Highlights during the month include:
Tuesday 30 September – Saturday 1 November
We Were There: The Caribbean Story
This powerful new pop-up exhibition in Reading Museum celebrates stories of unsung Caribbean heroes who served in the British armed forces - from the West India Regiment and the British West Indies Regiment to the Royal Air Force’s ‘Pilots of the Caribbean!’
Tuesdays 7, 14, 21 October, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Join the Steel Band Beginner workshops by CultureMix and learn to play steel pan music with RASPO.
Thursday 16 October, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Love Carnival? Get ready to jump up and have a laugh together! Join Theatretrain for an amazing SOCA Zumba workout!
Friday 24 October, 11am – 3pm
Join The University of Reading for their annual Black History Month Community Fete in Broad Street Mall – a vibrant celebration showcasing local Black-owned businesses. Discover unique products and services from Black entrepreneurs, learn about Black history and culture, and support local businesses in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture said: “We take immense pride in the diversity that is a feature of our town. Reading’s Black communities are an integral part of Reading, playing a key role in shaping our identity, enriching both our cultural and economic life, and continuing to excel in business, academia, and the arts.
"Reading's Black History Month is always one of the highlights of our town’s cultural calendar. I encourage everyone to dive into this year's exciting programme and experience the rich music, theatre, and educational events happening across the Borough.
The month also acts as a reminder that, even in 2025, Black people still experience inequality and that we all have a responsibility to live our values of fairness and inclusion every day of the year.”
Further details and the complete Black History Month 2025 programme can be found at Black History Month 2025 - Reading Borough Council
Notes to editors
Black History Month was founded in the USA by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, who designated February as a time for African Americans to celebrate and acknowledge their heritage and achievements. Dr. Woodson’s vision was to ensure that the contributions of Black individuals were recognised and appreciated, fostering a deeper understanding of African American history and culture.
In England, Black History Month was first marked in October 1987, during the African Jubilee Year, to promote racial harmony in London. Since then, it has expanded across the entire country, embracing and recognising the contributions and traditions of diverse Black communities.