Mayor of London’s Black On The Square festival returns to celebrate Black communities and culture

Celebrate Black culture and creativity at Black On The Square on Saturday 7 September. From 12-6pm, enjoy free performances with music, dance, and spoken word, plus food, fashion, film, art, and more.

The stage line-up will be headlined by award-winning actor and rapper Bashy. Performers will also include Kofi Stone, Afrobeat DJ collective Cultur FM, hip hop star Phoebs, Afro-electronic DJ and singer Karen Nyame KG, and Krar Collective. From London, via Addis Ababa, this trio’s unique and powerful take on Ethiopian music has made them rising stars in world music. Lewisham’s finest, Shingai of Noisettes fame, will be performing too. Expect her to live up to her name, which means ‘be bold’ in the Shona language!

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained with special activities hosted by Culture Tree and face painting with NyGlorious Face Arts. Elsewhere, the brilliant bustling market promises a feast for all the senses. Sample delights from Mauritius, Guyana, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond – from plantain bites to fusion fish and chips and delicious vegan ice cream.

You’ll find stalls selling everything from coats and bags to headwear, home décor, candles, art prints, jewellery, and books too.

There are also workshops to join, with a strong focus on the growing Black business community. Get a free business MOT from Foundervine, SME support and advice for creatives from My Runway Group. And if fabric is more your style, don’t miss Fée Uhssi’s colour therapy and tote bag workshop.

Returning for a second year, this free event in Trafalgar Square is brought to you by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Find out more: www.london.gov.uk/black-on-the-square