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04.10.2026

Black British Book Festival 2026

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Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature

Hear from Candice Carty-Williams on love, mess and the phenomenon of 'Queenie'. Corinne Bailey Rae goes deep on sound, beauty and creative freedom. Wretch 32 makes the case that bars are literature, breaking down the art of the pen like never before. And closing it all out is The Black Poetry Shutdown with the UK's sharpest spoken-word talent such as Malika Booker, Lady Sanity, Jah Digga and more.

Across the rest of the day, expect a line-up that spans literature, music, science, money, love, identity and the internet. There's something for everyone with storytelling, craft, superheroes and more for the youngest readers. Aspiring authors get a programme packed with practical, no-fluff sessions and the brand-new Black British Book Festival × Pan Macmillan collaboration - a real shot at getting published.

Time: Sessions take place between 1–8pm on Sunday 4 October.

Tickets: Standard and VIP tickets are available allowing you access to the festival plus either one or all headline events. These should be booked in advance on the Barbican website.

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