Black British Book Festival: A Literary Revolution Returns to the Barbican

This autumn, London’s iconic Barbican Centre will pulse with the energy of stories, voices, and ideas that are shaping the future of British literature. On Sunday, 19 October 2025, the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) returns for its fifth year—an unmissable celebration of Black British writing, creativity, and community.

Founded in 2021 by author and cultural entrepreneur Selina Brown, the Black British Book Festival has rapidly become Europe’s largest and most influential showcase of Black British literature. What began as a bold response to systemic barriers—Brown herself was told her book wouldn’t sell because of the Black girl on its cover—has blossomed into a joyful, inclusive platform that champions stories too often left in the margins.

“From the start, I knew our stories deserved more: more visibility, more celebration, more space,” Brown shares. “This festival is my answer to that.”

Today, BBBF attracts over 5,500 attendees annually, uniting readers, writers, and families for a day of discovery, inspiration, and belonging. Its reach extends far beyond a single event, with year-round programming and collaborations with cultural icons and major institutions—Paramount, Glastonbury Festival, Hay Festival, and Cheltenham Literature Festival, to name a few. The festival’s headline conversations have featured the likes of Zadie Smith, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sir Lenny Henry, and Paul Brunson, igniting important discussions and sparking new possibilities for Black British authors and audiences.

This year’s festival promises to be its most dynamic yet, featuring eighty-four authors and thirty-five events in just one unforgettable day. Highlights include:

The festival, headline sponsored by Pan Macmillan, is designed for all ages and interests. From masterclasses with celebrated authors to family-friendly workshops, there’s something for everyone. The Children’s Zone will buzz with storytelling and crafts, while the Black Book Marketplace will shine a spotlight on both established and emerging voices from across the UK.

At its heart, the Black British Book Festival is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s about dismantling barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating space for stories that inspire, challenge, and reflect the world we live in.

Visit the Barbican Centre on 19 October for a day of connection, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious newcomer, or a family looking for inspiration, the Black British Book Festival invites you to be part of a literary revolution—one that’s rewriting the narrative, one page at a time.

For more information, tickets, and the full programme, visit blackbritishbookfestival.com.