October is Black History Month – a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK, reflect on the past, and take action to build a fairer future.
This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, which honours Black leaders, activists, and pioneers whose work has shaped history.
Across Manchester, there will be events, exhibitions, and activities for everyone to get involved in.
#BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonthUK #StandingFirm #PowerAndPride.
A special anniversary for Manchester
October 2025 also marks 80 years since the Fifth Pan-African Congress, held at Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall in 1945.
This was a landmark event that brought together campaigners from across the world to call for independence and equality. It’s a proud part of Manchester’s history, and several events this year will reflect on its lasting legacy.
- Learn more about the Congress on the Oxford Road Corridor website
- Read about its impact on the People's History Museum blog
Black History Month Events in Manchester 2025
September
- 22 September – 5 November
Exhibition at Portico Library with Royal Exchange Theatre - 25 September, 6pm (free)
CAHN GM-wide Civic Launch at The Monastery Manchester – 80 Years of Pan-African Legacy
October
- 2 October (all day, free)
Ashley Thorpe at Chorlton Library – Spirit Warriors book event - 3 October, 6pm (ticketed)
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase at Aviva Studios - 4 October
- 7 October, 5.45–7.30pm (free)
Exclusive Book Launch and Talk with Tynan Matembe at Central Library - 11 October, 6:30pm (ticketed)
CAHN Black History Month Gala & Awards - 15 October, 12–1pm (free)
Marcus Rashford Archives session at Central Library
18 October, 2–3:30pm (free) – Second Marcus Rashford Archives session - 16 October, 7pm (ticketed)
SEE MY WORLD Festival presents HOMAGE – Contact Theatre - 17 October
- 18 October (free)
Craft workshops inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas:- Avenue Library, 11am–12pm
- North City Library, 10:30am–12pm
- Beswick Library, 12:30–2pm
- Newton Heath Library, 2–3pm
- 29 October, 6–9pm
Talk with Parise Carmichael-Murphy – Pan-African Organising in Manchester, Friends Meeting House
November
- 1 November, 10am (free)
Talk and discussion with Dr Parise Carmichael-Murphy – Holy Innocents Church Fallowfield - 3 November, 5–7:30pm
Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Education Trust – The Congress Lives On, Central Library
Ongoing throughout October
- Factory International – free Black History Month events
- CAHN and GMCA – BHM event directory (live from 25 Sept)
- Manchester Libraries Black History Month events
- HOME – theatre and film screenings
- Powerhouse Library – Black History Month craft clubs every Thursday, plus My Hair is My Identity/Don’t Touch My Hair installation
- Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Portico Library and other partners – activities throughout October (times tbc)
