Black On The Square returns to capital with celebration of Black music, food and culture

• Black On The Square returns to Trafalgar Square to celebrate the wide-ranging contribution of Black Londoners to the capital
• Legendary Garage music producer and DJ Wookie will feature in a packed programme of live music, dance, food and workshops
• The free, family-friendly festival will bring thousands of Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds together on Saturday 6 September

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that Black On The Square will return to the capital on Saturday 6 September.

The annual free festival of Black culture and creativity will once again unite thousands of Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds in Trafalgar Square to celebrate the extraordinary contribution that Black Londoners have made to the capital.

Following the success of the event’s first two years, this year includes a focus on London’s nightlife, with the theme ‘Inter-generate’ recognising Black London’s contribution to electronic culture and night life. It will feature legendary Garage music producer and DJ Wookie.

From noon-6pm, Trafalgar Square will come alive with free live performances, dance, food and family-friendly activities, highlighting the creative force of Black Londoners past and present.

The first acts to be announced include popular Southeast London DJ collective BORN N BREAD who will host the main stage. Performances will include the queen of Lover’s Rock, Janet Kay, community ballet company Pointe Black, Azmari Bet singing, telling stories and improvising, and OPAL will showcase spoken word and performance talent. Many more acts will be announced later this month.

Black-owned stalls and traders will offer a diverse mix of global cuisines and cultural experiences, including The Merge and Adrian’s Island Fresh. Londoners and visitors can enjoy everything from Caribbean classics and West African vegan bites to seafood specials and plant-based desserts, alongside artisan stalls offering jewellery, art, books, homeware and fashion. This year’s event will feature an ‘Accra to London’ stall with a range of items influenced by the capital of Ghana. This follows the Mayor’s visit to Accra last month as part of his historic trade mission to Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

In addition to celebrating music and food, the event will spotlight Black entrepreneurship, with support from London & Partners’ Grow London Local, who will provide drop-in advice clinics for start-ups and small businesses. There is also a specifically designed children’s area.

Now in its third year, Black On The Square forms part of the Mayor’s Trafalgar Square cultural programme, alongside a wide variety of other celebrations, including Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year, St George’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. The festival is curated by fynn studio with a Community Advisory Group ensuring it reflects the experiences and priorities of London’s Black communities and is sponsored by Remilty. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that Black On The Square returns to once again celebrate the incredible contribution of our Black communities. This free family event has become a key part of our cultural calendar, bringing Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds together for a showcase of how London’s Black communities have shaped the sound, flavour and soul of our city for generations.

“From talented DJs and dancers to incredible food stalls and crafts, this festival is a testament to the huge breadth of our creative talent and a symbol of our capital’s fantastic diversity.

“I urge everyone to enjoy what will be an unforgettable day in the heart of the capital, as we build a better London for all.”

Kojo Marfo, Vice Chair of the Cultural Advisory Group, said: “Black on the Square is now in its third consecutive year, and for the first time, we are introducing an ‘Accra to London’ showcase, bringing brands and founders from Ghana to Trafalgar Square. As Vice Chair of the Cultural Advisory Group and a Ghanaian-born British Londoner, it’s a proud moment that reflects the multicultural heartbeat of our city, and I’m excited to see this celebration come to life.”