Home - Black British Book Festival

Europe's Largest

Black British
Book Festival

19th October 2025 – Barbican Centre, London

Festival is from 12noon - 9pm

Hello, and Welcome

Hello, and a warm welcome to the Black British Book Festival!

We’re a dynamic celebration of Black British literature, bringing together established authors and emerging voices for an inspiring day of culture, creativity, and community. With a projects that includes a takeover of Manchester Central Library, a nationwide book tour, our own community library and collaborations with major cultural festivals, we’re proud to be at the forefront of a literary movement that’s changing the landscape. Join us on Saturday, 5th October 2024 at the iconic Barbican Centre in London for our most exciting edition yet—an unmissable event amplifying diverse voices and powerful stories.

Events

Masterclass Zone

Barbican Centre London

Rediscovering Malcolm X: Revolution, Resistance, and the Fight for True Freedom

Featuring: Kehinde Andrews, Dawn Butler, Dr Shola Mos-ShogbamimuChair: Shaka Ra

19 October 2025

Attend

Masterclass Zone

Barbican Centre London

Horizons & Heartbreak: In Conversation with Jordan Stephens

Featuring: Jordan StephensChair: Richie BraveMilton Court, External (4 mins from

19 October 2025

Attend

Masterclass Zone

Barbican Centre London

The Shape of Us: Legacy, Identity and Thriving in the Spotlight

Featuring: June Sarpong OBE, Dame Denise Lewis DBEChair: Symeon BrownMilton

19 October 2025

Attend

Masterclass Zone

Barbican Centre London

The Big Payback: Reparations, Power and the Price of Justice

Featuring: Sir Lenny Henry, Marcus RyderChair: Eric CollinsMilton Court, External

19 October 2025

Attend

Powerhouse Zone

Barbican Centre London

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Untold Stories of Black British History

Featuring: Lanre Bakare, Paterson Joseph, Imaobong UmorenChair: Colin GrantCinema 1,

19 October 2025

Attend

Powerhouse Zone

Barbican Centre London

The Girl Who Broke the Internet: 20 Years of Keisha the Sket

Featuring: Jade LBChair: Lemara Lindsay-PrinceCinema 1, Level -2 (2 mins

19 October 2025

Attend

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Click Here To Get Ticket

2025 Sponsors

Festival Recap

Our Projects Latest Projects

YA Writing Workshop Success

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Fi Wi Time: A New Generation Speaks

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BBBF 2024 Breaks Records: Our Largest Festival Yet!

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BLACK BRITISH BOOK FESTIVAL PARTNERS WITH HAY FESTIVAL GLOBAL TO SHOWCASE DIVERSE LITERARY VOICES

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View More Projects

PREVIUS MOMENTS Our Gallery

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, ALL IN ONE PLACE. Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Festival Pass include?

A Festival Pass gives you access to one headline event of your choice plus unlimited entry to all 31 other events across the Children’s Zone, Powerhouse Zone, and Spark Ideas Zone.

How much is a Festival Pass?

A Festival Pass costs £15 — giving you access to 30+ events in one day, making it one of the best-value cultural festivals in London.

Do I need to book my headline event separately?

Yes. When you buy your Festival Pass, you’ll be asked to select one headliner (e.g. Tabitha Brown, Sir Lenny Henry, June Sarpong, etc). This secures your seat for that headline event.

Can I attend more than one headliner?

No, the Festival Pass includes one headline event only. If you’d like to attend more than one, you’ll need to purchase an additional pass.

Do I need to book the other 31 events separately?

No. Your Festival Pass automatically includes access to all 31 events across the Children’s Zone, Powerhouse Zone, and Spark Ideas Zone. You can drop in and out throughout the day.

Do children need tickets?

• Children can enjoy the Children’s Zone craft activities within the children’s zone for free.

• If a child wants to attend any adult events (including headliners, Powerhouse Zone or Spark Ideas Zone) they must book their own Festival Pass (£15).

Do I need separate tickets for workshops, panels, or the marketplace?

No. Everything is included with your Festival Pass (except food, drink, or book purchases from the Black Book Marketplace).

Is the Festival Pass for one day only?

Yes, the pass is valid for the full day of the Festival at the Barbican.

Can I share my pass with someone else?

No. Each Festival Pass is valid for one person only.

What time does the festival start?

Doors open at 12pm and will close at 9pm.

How do I book?

On www.barbican.org, click the “Book Now” button, choose your Festival Pass, and select your preferred headline event. That’s it — your pass will cover everything else on the day.