Experience the Vibrant Culture of London
The beauty of London exceeds its attractions and skyline. The city’s true allure lies in its tapestry of cultures from around the world. Head to any corner of London, and you’ll stumble upon Nigerian restaurants, Guadeloupean food trucks, or Black British artisan pop-ups, each adding to the city’s cultural fabric.
Black history in London, however, reveals struggles as generations faced racism and discrimination after migrating to the capital. Despite these challenges, Black-owned restaurants, bars, and events like the Notting Hill Carnival highlight stories worth celebrating. Therefore, throughout the summer, London is always an exciting place to be due to the range of events that welcome the community to celebrate Black culture.
Top Events in August
From gripping theatre shows to art exhibitions set out to intrigue and inspire, the city’s calendar is filled with experiences to honour the community. Here are the top events you should check out in August.
Shifters
Back after a sold-out run at the Bush Theatre, Shifters will now be performed in the West End. Based on the eponymous play by 2022 Blackburn Prize winner Benedict Lombe, the performance stars Heather Agyepong from The African Mean Girls Play and Tosin Cole from the global hit Supacell. The story explores the reunion of Des and Dre after eight years, where their past memories and present realities collide. Themes of abuse, grief, and the Black body are poignantly explored, making Shifters a relatable reminder of young love’s enduring power.
Address: The Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG
Dates: Monday 12 August – Saturday 12 October
Beyond the Bassline
In just an hour or two, you’ll go through over 500 years of music at the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline exhibition. The stories of the earliest recorded musicians of African descent in Britain are retold while highlighting how African musical elements have been incorporated into classical compositions and beyond. The exhibition is an ode to Black people everywhere, showcasing the global impact Black artists have had and the atrocities they’ve risen up against.
You’re guaranteed to learn something new, whether it’s the fascinating link between punk rock and reggae or a genre you’re yet to hear of. The exhibition also features interactive displays and concludes with an interactive multi-screen film installation by Tayo Rapoport and Rohan Ayinde.
