Join us this Black History Month 2024 as we embrace the theme Reclaiming Narratives with a series of events including comedy, family storytelling and an open mic event for artists.

We’re thrilled to welcome legendary black comedian Daliso Chaponda to the Octagon with his new show Feed This Black Man Again on Fri 11 October. Daliso did his first show Feed This Black Man in 2004. 20 years later, Daliso has done the Royal Variety Performance, written and performed four series of Citizen of Nowhere on BBC Radio 4, been a Britain's Got Talent finalist, toured nationwide and abroad... all sorts of things the 22-year-old Chaponda would never have imagined possible.

Feed This Black Man Again is a do-over, as the now widely loved comic revisits the themes of that ancient debut show with the considerably enhanced comic talents that two decades' experience brings you. Along the way he'll examine the huge differences between the way you think life will be at twenty, and the reality.

Later in the month during half term we have a free Black History Month creative storytelling session on Tue 29 October. An engaging interactive workshop, shining a light on untold stories, through arts, crafts and storytelling. Building on the success of workshops last year, this is a great opportunity for all families to come together to celebrate the month.

We will also be hosting our second Bolton Artist social on Friday 18th October. We had a brilliant first event and are bringing together local artists together again to connect, share opportunities and support one another. The event will start with time to network and there will be time for artists to share poetry, spoken word and music showcasing black artists. More details of the artist social will be announced soon.

People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries and more change needs to happen to recognize and change the narrative around Black History and culture. Black History Month happens every October and is an additional opportunity to celebrate artists, share stories and recognize the contributions made historically and presently by Black Culture.

Black History Month activities give everyone the opportunity to learn, share and understand the impact of black heritage and culture both locally and around the world. We are excited to share the Octagon's Black History Month programme of activities with you and hope you join us at one of our events to celebrate and promote black British culture in Bolton.