Key information
Date: Saturday 05 September 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
Programme highlights today
Main stage
Hosted by Capital XTRA breakfast show presenters, Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie, and music continuity with Manny Norte throughout the day.
Live food demos with Chef Abbys: South-east side of Trafalgar Square
Ghanaian chef, food content creator, founder of Chef Abbys School of Food (CASOF) and the mind behind The Big Street Feast. Catch her cooking on the Square today, at the following times:
Home Radio - Ludi and Dominoes club
Ludi, or 'Ludo' in Africa and Europe, is a four player board game with roots in India that has spread across the world to become an integral part of Jamaican culture. Like Dominoes, this engaging, strategic and inter-generational game quickly gained popularity among Jamaicans, evolving into a unique version named 'Ludi' which reflects the vibrant and dynamic nature of Jamaican culture.
The objective? Move your pieces around the board based on dice rolls, aiming to get all 4 of your pieces to HOME first.
Play anytime throughout the day. Competition timeslots, if you fancy your chances, are as follows (all free, of course!):
- 12:30 – 13:30 PM
- 14:30 – 15:30 PM
- 16:30 – 17:30 PM
Meet and greet with Moana and Maui
Take selfies with this famous walk-about act, learn to hula dance, meet and greet with Moana and Maui. Opportunity timeslots throughout the day:
- 12:30 – 13:30 PM
- 14:30 – 15:30 PM
- 16:30 – 17:30 PM
K-BOTS Family Zone
From 12:00 PM to 17:30 PM, enjoy activities for all ages in the family zone from K-BOTS. Activities include face painting, hair braiding, carnival sculpture making, and lots of interactive activities.
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NYGlorious face painting and hair braiding: Step into a colourful creative space and choose from vibrant face art or a beautiful braided hairstyle, finished with colourful hair or beads. Inspired by the creativity and energy of Black On The Square, professional artists and braiders will be creating fun, expressive looks for children throughout the day.
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The Children's Black Book Fair UK: Find various books to buy and read from Europe's largest children's Black book fair celebrating Black children authors, storytellers, their stories and representation.
- We Rise: Reimagining Futures Together: Drop-in activities throughout the day, including exploring creative stimuli and provocations. Add your voice to a bespoke artefact, 3D making and self-portraits.
Activity stalls: North terrace and fountains
- Esports Youth Club: Gaming and esports were already bringing young people together, so why not bring it to Black On The Square and come down for some gaming fun and structured activities.
- United Borders with Muay Thai:
- Music production: On board the bus, there will be interactive DJ, music production and recording workshops, giving you the opportunity to:
- learn the basics of DJing and music production
- create and mix your own music with support from mentors
- record a short track or vocal and experience the recording process.
- Martial arts: Alongside the bus, will be a qualified Muay Thai instructor, delivering introductory fitness sessions to learn basic techniques through supervised pad work.
- Music production: On board the bus, there will be interactive DJ, music production and recording workshops, giving you the opportunity to:
Trader stalls: East side of Trafalgar Square
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Black Traders Collective: Pop-up market with traders selling various products from Africa and the Caribbean, including Pierre's Caribbean Drinks and Authentic Hampers.
- Diva Choice: An award-winning Black-owned London brand specialising in handmade African-inspired jewellery, accessories, and statement pieces.
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Aji Accessories: We specialise in T-shirts with African fabrics, clothes and bags made in African fabrics.
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Spicy Rye's: London based brand steeped in the love of all things spicy, includes artisan sauces and seasoning, tantalising taste buds since 2018.
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Lola's TreasureBox: Handmade and curated African-inspired jewellery and accessories that celebrate African heritage, culture, creativity, and self-expression through unique and contemporary designs.
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Honey Malaolu: Celebrates beautifully handcrafted products that blend style, sustainability, and purpose, creating premium vegan leather bags and luxurious silk satin pillowcases in unique African-inspired prints, all made by skilled artisans in Nigeria.
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SKINIRI London: An award-winning natural skincare brand, including moisture-rich body butters, skin-softening body scrubs, rejuvenating face and body oils, detoxifying bath salts, clarifying face masks, and the ultimate self-care gift sets.
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Umthi Natural Beauty: A twelve-time award winning natural hair, face and body care brand, built on three generations of South African plant wisdom. Every Umthi formula is plant-based, sulphate-free, zero microplastics and fully biodegradable.
- CECE FINERY: A brand and platform that specialises in contemporary African fashion accessories, with a focus on the best sellers, colourful, handcrafted, stylish and easy-to-wear handbags and jewellery, telling a stylish cultural story.
- My Runway Group: A conduit between brands, communities, and creatives through storytelling, strategic partnerships, and immersive cultural experiences. They exist to close the gap that has kept creatives and Black-owned businesses from the access, platforms, and markets their work deserves.
Catering stalls: West side of Trafalgar Square
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Yum Puff Treats: Plant-based dessert, West African connoisseurs.
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St. Best Caribbean Caterers: Caribbean street food.
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Little Piece of Bahia: South American, authentic Bahian street food acarajé, abará, and moqueca blending Afro-Brazilian flavours with a London twist.
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Jadama’s Gambian Cuisine: Combining flavour and inspiration from The Gambia and Senegal.
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Mini Pancake Twins: Desserts and creations, experience a double-stack of sweetness.
- Every Fish Bar: Where classic UK fish and chips gets a tropical twist, with authentic African and Caribbean spices and cooking techniques.
There will also be a dedicated bar onsite, operating throughout the day.
Charity, help and advisory stalls: North terrace
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The Sickle Cell Society: The only national charity in the UK that supports and represents people affected by a sickle cell disorder to improve their overall quality of life.
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The Black Society: Connecting communities, culture, and health so Black young people and grassroots organisations can thrive.
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Blood Pressure UK: Get your free blood pressure reading today with Blood Pressure UK. The only UK charity dedicated to lowering high blood pressure, with the aim to lower the nation’s blood pressure to prevent death and disability from stroke and heart disease.
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LeeneyCardin Finance: A free drop-in financial wellbeing workshop operating from 12:00pm to 5:30pm. Your 1:1 session can include advice and guidance on improving your credit score, budgeting tips, money management and lots more.
- Grow London: A place to get free access to all the support and information, business owners can go to, for advice on how to help grow your business.
Thank you to Delhi Jam Street Food for keeping all of our crew, staff and hospitality fed and watered all day.
Plan your visit
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Trafalgar Square is easy to reach by public transport, including buses, the Tube, and national rail services.
Underground
The nearest Underground station with step-free access from platform to street level is Westminster Station, which is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. From Westminster Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Trafalgar Square.
Charing Cross Underground Station is the closest Tube station and is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. However, please note that this station does not have step-free access.
Buses
Bus routes that stop close to Trafalgar Square include:
Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 23, 87, 88, 91, 139, and 176, with most buses having wheelchair access.
Find step-free routes
For accessible travel options, including step-free routes and Dial-A-Ride services, you can visit the TfL (Transport for London) website for maps and to plan your journey.
National Rail
The nearest railway station is Charing Cross. It is 325 metres away, approximately 3 minutes’ walk. Charing Cross rail station offers step-free access and a step-free route to Trafalgar Square.
Accessible parking
The surrounding area on Trafalgar Square can get very busy on the day of the event, so we recommend you take public transport if you're visiting the event. If you’re unable to take public transport for accessibility reasons, accessible parking is available near Trafalgar Square.
There are Blue Badge parking spaces on St Martin’s Street, located next to the National Gallery. Please be aware that these spaces are around 250 metres from the National Gallery. There are three designated Blue Badge parking bays available here.
For more information on parking, contact the Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567 (open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm).
To find other blue badge parking bays nearby, you can find disabled Blue Badge bays on the City of Westminster’s website using the postcode WC2N 5DN.
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We will do our best to make sure you feel welcome and enjoy our event. Our event staff and volunteers are here to help with any questions you might have.
When you arrive, our stewards and Team London volunteers will greet you. Our Team London volunteers will be wearing purple high-visibility jackets and are ready to answer any questions. There will also be clear signs to help guide you around the event. Please note, we will conduct a bag search at the entrance for everyone attending.
The event has a level access entrance, and it is wheelchair accessible. All paths are accessible for wheelchair users and there is a lift that connects the North Terrace to the Main Square. Stewards will be there to help you find your way. Assistance dogs are welcome too.
The festival can get busy. If being in crowds is difficult for you, you can use our accessible viewing area. It is located on the north terrace of Trafalgar Square. This area has hearing loop facilities for the performances on the main stage, and chairs are available for companions and anyone who needs to sit. If you'd like to reserve a seat at the accesisble viewing area, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to support you. Please share the names of those attending the event with you and the best way to support on the day.
All shows with speech on the main stage will have a British Sign Language interpreter. You can see this on the screen on the right side of the main stage.
The event may be loud at times due to music and performances. If you need ear defenders, you can ask for them at our information point or speak to a volunteer for help.
The event is relaxed. You can join or leave at any time and move around as you like. You do not need to be quiet.
In addition to toilets, we will also have Mobiloo accessible toilet at the event. This toilet has a hoist and a changing table. If you need to use the hoist, please bring your own sling for safety and convenience. You can find more information on Mobiloo’s website.
Your welfare is our priority. With hot weather expected on the day, we recommend bringing a water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Sunscreen will be available on site, and trained medical staff will be present throughout the event to provide support if needed.
If you need any help on the day with more information about the event, just ask one of our stewards or volunteers, and they will be happy to assist you.
Searching is a condition of entry to this event.
CCTV is operational in Trafalgar Square.
No bags larger than a standard A4 paper will be permitted, including shopping trolleys.
When full, we will operate a 'one in, one out' policy.
To help protect the safety and welfare of both visitors and staff, the following is a nonexclusive list of items that are prohibited from being brought into Trafalgar Square:
- All liquids
- Bladed items, including; pen knives, fixed bladed knives and scalpels
- Offensive weapons e.g. tasers, etc.
- Imitation or toy weapons, including toy hand grenades and guns
- Items that could be readily converted into weapons
- Component parts of weapons
- Flares or fireworks
- Party poppers and party canons
- Helium filled balloons
- Strobe lights, high intensity torches and lasers
- Hazardous materials e.g. CS gas, pepper spray, gas canisters, acids and alkalis
- Spray paints or cans of paint
- Powders that are not personal prescription medicines or for cosmetic purposes
- Illegal drugs
- Pointed Scissors / pointed tweezers
- Knitting Needles
- Syringes (unless required for personal medical use)
- Placards, banners flags and flag poles
- Mobile phone jamming devices
- Full facial Masks
- Items that could cause loud audible disruption e.g. whistles, megaphones, sirens, air horns, large radios / cd players
- Covert surveillance and recording equipment
- Climbing and abseiling equipment
- Tools e.g. pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, saws, etc.
- Animals, other than assistance dogs
- Bottles containing liquid, water refill points are available within the Square
- Glass items
- Any items considered to be suspicious or unacceptable by security staff for which the owner cannot provide a reasonable explanation for possessing.
About the event
Black On The Square returns for its fourth year – save the date.
Join Londoners and visitors for the Mayor of London's flagship celebration of Black culture. Explore workshops for all ages, discover Black-owned businesses, enjoy food from a range of traders and take part in activities throughout the day.
Winner of the COOL Event Award 2026, Black On The Square celebrates the creativity, culture and communities that help shape London.
- Reclaiming space and belonging, positions Black London as central to the city’s identity and cultural output, not peripheral.
- Speaks to confidence, ownership and visibility.
- Affirms Black presence as foundational to London’s past, present and future and celebrates the everyday cultural imprint of Black communities across the capital.
There is a strong sense of pride and ownership across audiences, and we hope that this years programming reflects the breadth of Black London, from grassroots to global influence.
We are highlighting all the landmark anniversaries and milestones that are being celebrated throughout 2026. To name a few:
- Notting Hill Carnival - celebrating 60 years of culture
- Tomorrow's Warriors - celebrating 35 years of supporting young musicians and UK jazz
- The MOBO Awards - marking 30 years of Black music and culture
- LatinoLife - marking 20 years of producing a hundred events a year, with its flagship Latino Life in the Park - Britain's largest music festival, also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Please remember to bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen if you are coming to Black On The Square today. Free drinking water is available on site at our cooling stations.
Flags are not permitted within Trafalgar Square or the event grounds. We kindly ask that you leave flags at home to avoid being denied entry at the gates. For more information, check the conditions of entry.
Feedback survey
Once you've spent your time at the event, let us know what you think by completing our short survey. The results of this research will help us understand in more detail your experience of the event. We value all feedback, using it to inform future event development.
The research is being carried out by DJS Research Unlimited, an independent research company. The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete.
Our sponsors
Title partner
Remitly helps you send money worldwide and pay using your bank account, credit card, or debit card.
Official partner
Radio partner
Capital XTRA - bringing you the best of Hip Hop, Grime, RnB.
Media partner
The Voice - Britain's Favourite Black Newspaper.
Black Things UK - Black Things UK is a cultural media and community platform that embraces and empowers Black culture through visual content.
Community Advisory Group
The Community Advisory Group is a small cohort of dedicated advisors who play a vital role in shaping the vision and supporting the delivery of Black On The Square.
Each member brings valuable knowledge, lived experience, and creative insight to ensure the event truly celebrates and uplifts Black creativity across London. Together, they help guide the development of this flagship event and champion its impact.
Following our recent search for individuals with passion, expertise, and vision, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who applied – and a warm welcome to our talented new advisors.
Kojo is a cultural strategist and creative economy builder dedicated to championing Black and under-represented communities through arts, commerce, and youth empowerment. As the founder of My Runway Group, he has spent over 13 years creating pathways for emerging creatives and Black-led businesses to access global opportunities, retail visibility, and strategic brand partnerships.
Through initiatives such as Black in Carnaby, London’s first Black-owned concept store in the West End, Kojo has provided a stage for over 200 Black-owned brands to connect with new audiences and thrive in mainstream retail.
Follow Kojo on social media:
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X: @My RunwayGroup
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LinkedIn: @Kojo Marfo
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Instagram: @MyRunwayGroup
Zerritha is an award winning Cultural Producer and Arts Leader, with 20 years’ experience in community and participatory arts and large scale events. She is currently the Head of Culture at Camden Council, having previously led culture at Brent Council for over 10 years.
Zerritha has led on a number of high profile projects with local communities to amplify the UKs black history.
Follow Zerritha on social media:
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LinkedIn: Zerritha Brown
Dean is an experienced events entrepreneur and founder of Carby & Co Ltd, event production and technical services, and with a BSc in Biomedical Science, he combines analytical thinking, with creative execution, to deliver impactful experiences.
Dean has been a key player in the UK events industry for almost 20 years, originally starting as a radio DJ back when he was a college student to then becoming a popular club DJ and club promoter. Dean has built his career based upon culture, creativity, hard work and grind, with expertise in event design, live production, event marketing, business relationship management and strategic growth.
Today he brings that lived experience and industry expertise into every project — creating platforms, experiences and conversations that reflect the richness of London’s Black community and its evolving narrative.
Follow Dean on social media:
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LinkedIn: Dean Carby
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Instagram: @dceventdesign
Josette is Principal and CEO of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Artistic Director for The National Black Theatre of Sweden. Prior to this, she served as Director of Acting at Stockholm University of the Arts and Artistic Director for The National Touring Swedish Deaf Theatre ensemble Tyst Teater Riksteatern.
Josette is an award-winning actor and director whose career has included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Manchester Royal Exchange.
Follow Josette on social media:
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LinkedIn: Josette Bushell-Mingo
Nadine is a multi-award-winning journalist, filmmaker and founder of Black Current News. In 2021, she became Britain’s first dedicated Race Correspondent, leading national coverage on Black communities, politics and social justice.
She is also an author and director of Brixton Heights Media, an acclaimed film production company.
Follow Nadine on social media:
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LinkedIn: Nadine White
Instagram: nadine_writes
X: @Nadine_Writes
Threads: lift.bio/nadinewhite
With over 18 years of international experience, Nadu has worked with leading brands including Red Bull, Spotify Africa, Afro Nation, and Afropunk, bringing complex ideas to life through creativity, expertise, and community.
Nadu is founder and CEO of The Zoo XYZ, a global purpose-driven event agency dedicated to creating culturally significant and impactful experiences. Under Nadu's leadership, The Zoo XYZ champions access, diversity, and representation in the events industry.
Follow Nadu on social media:
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LinkedIn: Nadu Placca Rodriguez
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Instagram: @n4dup
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Instagram: @thezooxyz
Nokuthula is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Kintsugi Creative, a
cultural Marketing and PR agency, helping global brands connect authentically with culture,
diverse communities, and youth audiences, to drive relevance and measurable impact. Working with leading UK brands including McDonald’s, Morrisons, PrettyLittleThing, Just Eat, and more, Nokuthula is also a writer, speaker, and educator.
Bringing cross-industry experience spanning entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, FMCG, and beauty, she was named one of the UK’s Most Influential African Entrepreneurs on the CREST Africa Power 100 List, won Startup Business Woman of the Year 2025 at The UK Business Awards, and has spoken at the Houses of Parliament on women’s contribution to the UK economy.
Follow Noks on social media:
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LinkedIn: Nokuthula Hatoongo
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Instagram: @its_nockss
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Instagram: @wearekintsugicreative
Nubia is a twice-published author, journalist, and film director, whose work engages social critique, Black political history, and contemporary youth culture. Her writing examines political thought and cultural identity with a focus on social history and present-day civic life.
She develops spatial projects and activations that explore dynamic ways of gathering, and is the founder of 'be still', a wellness organisation producing restorative practices rooted in holistic knowledge and community care.
Follow Nubia on social media:
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LinkedIn: Nubia Assata
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Instagram: @nubiaassata
Award-winning events
Silver winner of Events Organisers for Originality and Legacy at the COOL Event Awards 2026.
You are Loved and Wanted in London
In London, you are free to be who you want to be. It is Londoners who make our city the uniquely vibrant city it is.
We come from all over the world, from every religious background, and every walk of life. Loved and Wanted celebrates our city’s enduring spirit of respect, unity and togetherness.