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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Black History Month in Sheffield

The Steel City proudly celebrates Black History Month 2026.

This annual occasion brings together people from many different backgrounds to recognise the rich history; achievements and contributions of Black British/African heritage people in the UK and in shaping local communities.

It also serves as a valuable reminder of the ongoing need to tackle racism, reclaim Black history, and ensure Black history is authentically represented and celebrated all year round.

The African Heritage Culture Forum is pleased to support Our Favourite Places and other partners to ensure that Sheffield Black History Month 2026 successfully showcases the achievements and contributions being made to the city by the African heritage community.

This year’s theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’, is about people, specifically African heritage individuals whose everyday contributions often go unseen.

While Black History Month continues to celebrate historic achievements, history is also shaped through ongoing acts of care, leadership and service. Across Britain, African heritage volunteers, teachers, nurses, carers, community leaders and organisers make a lasting impact every day, often without recognition.

Please join us and the city of Sheffield in Honouring Our Communities and celebrating those that have contributed so much and are an integral part of the nation’s heritage.

Sheffield has a wide range of African heritage themed cultural events on offer. Whether you want to be empowered, educated, or simply entertained – there is something for everyone to enjoy. From fascinating talks, thought provoking words and images; delicious food; and music that will get your blood pumping and feet tapping – the city of Sheffield has it all!

About us
This article is brought to you by Sheffield’s very own African Heritage Culture Forum (a registered charity led by volunteers). The Forum’s mission is all about celebrating African heritage culture and to help raise awareness, educate, recognise and celebrate the city’s rich and diverse heritage.

The Forum offers free membership and their website has a wealth of information, including free learning resources, newsletters and community focused content.

Orchestra Baobab

Mon. 12 October 2026

The Octagon

An institution of African music, led by Nick Gold of Buena Vista Social Club. More than 50 years on from their formation, the group’s mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Wolof griot traditions, mbalax, Congolese rumba and jazz, sounds as fresh as ever.

6+1: All We Gain from What We Lost

Fri. 16 October 2026

Showroom

Follow the story of the 6+1 Running Club, from its early days of low numbers and self-doubt through to the moment running became a form of therapy for its members. Plus Q&A with Director Lando Vandross and members of 6+1.

When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors

Sat. 17 October 2026

Millennium Gallery

Discover the fascinating history of queens and warriors who ruled vast swathes of the African continent from pre-colonial Nigeria to the villages of Rwanda, the hills of Madagascar to apartheid South Africa. With historian Paula Akpan.

Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel

Sat. 17 October 2026

Crucible Theatre

Music in the Round’s Singer-in-Residence Roderick Williams returns with a programme of heartrendingly beautiful English song, including Vaughan Williams’ glorious cycle Songs of Travel.

Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts

Sun. 18 October 2026

Sheffield City Hall

Join BAFTA-winning actor, comedian, director, and writer Richard Ayoade for an evening of reflections as he shares insights from his latest book, Afterthoughts, or Some Pistachios Won't Open: Wisdom for the Unreflective.

Lady Leshurr – 10 Years of The Queen's Speech

Wed. 21 October 2026

Sidney & Matilda

The rapper and producer heads out on tour this autumn to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Queen’s Speech series with a special run of intimate headline shows.

Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro

Wed. 21 October 2026

Sheffield City Hall

Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Taskmaster, Stath Lets Flats) brings his smash hit improv comedy show to Sheffield.

Site Gallery Creative Producers: Stories We Carry

Thu. 22 October 2026

Showroom

Curated by Site Gallery’s Creative Producers, Stories We Carry is a short film programme about different black stories across the UK. Followed by a Q&A with the Creative Producers.

What We Leave We Carry: Voices of Migration to Britain – Colin Grant

Fri. 23 October 2026

Millennium Gallery

What do we leave behind when we move to a new place – and what do we carry with us, physically and emotionally, wherever we land?  Here are the voices of many people who have come to Britain to make a new life.

Soul II Soul

Sat. 24 October 2026

Sheffield City Hall

The iconic band born from the vibrant UK sound system culture. Emerging in the multicultural melting pot of London, Soul II Soul transformed ordinary house parties into extraordinary experiences with their innovative and immersive performances.

Crush

Fri. 23 October 2026 — Sat. 24 October 2026

Playhouse

A clinic waiting room. Two Somali teens. One awkward meet-cute. Crush is a tender, funny and honest story about identity, connection and the messy path to healing.

Black History Month Community Civic Service

Sun. 25 October 2026

Sheffield Cathedral

Sheffield Cathedral host the third annual Community Civic Service for Black History Month. With inspiring local speakers from the city’s Black-led churches, powerful gospel music, and information stands from community organisations.

We Were Here: Stephanie Phillips

Sun. 25 October 2026

Millennium Gallery

A reclamation of alternative music history, for the Black artists who helped pioneer and shape it. Stephanie Phillips is a music journalist and musician who started Black feminist punk band Big Joanie and is part of the Decolonise Fest collective.

Waking the Warriors: Ben Okri

Sun. 25 October 2026

Millennium Gallery

Acclaimed novelist, essayist, playwright and poet talks about his latest work, Waking the Warriors, a modern fable, born from the ancient legend of the sleeping warriors who wake when the kingdom is in mortal danger.

Trauma Or, Monsters All [+ Larry Fessenden Q&A]

Sun. 25 October 2026

Showroom

A writer investigating her town's dark past for a newspaper article stirs up fears about lurking monsters in director Larry Fessenden’s concluding chapter of his monster quadrilogy. Followed by an extended Q&A.

The L.A. Rebellion

Sun. 4 October 2026 — Sun. 25 October 2026

Showroom

The L.A. Rebellion film movement was born in the late 20th century when a wave of Black graduates came through the UCLA Film School. Join the Showroom for a season celebrating these classic and under-screened films.

Open Mic Night at Utopia Theatre

Multiple dates

Utopia Theatre, 11 Rockingham Gate, S1 4JD

Utopia Theatre’s free monthly platform for celebrating talent and creativity in Sheffield. Welcoming upcoming and established performers across all genres. First Sunday of every month.

Sharrow Young Leaders presents... Good Burger

Thu. 5 November 2026

Showroom's BHM season closes with a celebration of young Black creativity and community. Good Burger (1997) is a comedy about two goofy high-school friends who take summer jobs at a local burger joint and try save it from being taken over by a chain.

In Conversation: On the Border of my Peaceful Home

Tue. 24 June 2025 — Wed. 23 December 2026

Graves Gallery

An exhibition curated by artist Kedisha Coakley, bringing together artworks, objects and specimens from Sheffield’s collection to explore the relationship between empire and the trade in fruit and flowers.

Sheffield Stories: Caribbean Footsteps

Fri. 10 May 2024 — Sun. 2 May 2027

Weston Park Museum

An exhibition celebrating the many ways that people of African Caribbean heritage have contributed to Sheffield life.