Black History Month 2024

Black History Month 2024  
1st October – 31st October
Venues across Reading

A celebration of music, art, theatre and debate are all on offer for this year’s Black History Month 2024 in Reading.

This year’s programme, taking place across the town during October, recognises the important contribution our diverse black community has made, and continues to make, to our town and across the country.

There is a packed calendar of educational discussion sessions, thought-provoking films, music workshops and innovative theatrical productions, with many events free of charge.

Highlights include

Steel Band Beginner Workshops – Tuesdays 1, 8, 15 & 22 October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm

CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF  

Join the weekly steel band beginner workshops where you can learn to play steel pan music with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra – RASPO. Families and all ages (7+) are welcome and no previous music experience is needed. All instruments and equipment provided. 16s and under free, over 16s/adults £10 per class. More details: https://steelbandbeginnerscourse20.eventbrite.co.uk

Soca Dance Classes by CultureMix Arts – Saturdays 5, 12 & 19 October, 11am to 12 noon

CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF  

Bring your flag, a water bottle and comfortable clothes and get ready to practice your carnival dance moves to some Soca beats. This fun energetic dance class combines keep fit routines with simple dance steps for a fun dance workout to some of your favourite Caribbean music. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £6.50. More details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/soca-dance-class-tickets-1009183473937?aff=oddtdtcreator

Jazzrobeat Collective Music Making for 12-17s – Mondays 7, 14 & 21 October, 5.30pm to 7pm

CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF

If you are 12-17 and want to play Afro Jazz, Funk and Reggae with a live band this FREE course is for you! To join the Collective you will have some experience of playing a musical instrument so you can improve by playing in a band. During the course you will learn, develop and rehearse new songs with the group for a performance at the end. With regular attendance and practice, you can join the Collective for performances at events and festivals. So far in 2024, Jazzrobeat have performed live at Carnival of the World and Readipop Festival. Bring your own instrument bass guitar, guitar, horns etc (drum kits and some keyboards provided). Free event, but booking is essential via Eventbrite – www.jazzrobeatcollective.eventbrite.co.uk

The Dreamer – Saturday 12 October, 7pm

The Hexagon, Reading

A young boy has a dream, that one day he will do something great. Loved dearly by his father, but hated and despised by his older brothers, he is sold into a life of slavery and eventually imprisoned and given a life sentence. Will his dreams come true? Join us for this brand new gospel musical as we blend the ancient and the contemporary to retell the amazing Joseph story.

Tickets £17.50. Book at www.whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/dreamer

Creative Connection – Celebrating Black Filmmakers – Thursday 17 October, 6.15pm to 8.30pm

Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, RG1 7QE

Through A Different Lens welcomes you to the Creative Connection evening supported by the University of Reading, celebrating independent film made by the Black community. They’ll be screening a selection of short films including Mas Resistance by Alex Urquhart – an exploration on the Notting Hill Carnival which is often misunderstood and misrepresented featuring one of the Carnival’s founding families, as they express the culture’s creative excellence and community collaboration. Plus they’ll be screening The Nod: Tell Me You Got Me directed by Richard Ampeh – a short film exploring the black male experience of living in the UK. 18+. £5 per person, book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-connection-celebrating-black-filmmakers-tickets-1007867176857

For the full programme of events and activities check out our brochure and follow us on social media:

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