Key information
Date: Saturday 05 September 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
About the event
Black On The Square returns for its fourth year — save the date!
Get ready for a full day of music, entertainment, and a vibrant programme packed with activities, workshops for all ages, and stalls featuring both emerging and established traders, plus an incredible range of cuisines.
The best part? It’s completely free, brought to you by the Mayor of London.
Join Londoners and visitors in Trafalgar Square for this flagship celebration of Black culture - a space that showcases creativity, community, and the rich diversity that shapes the capital.
This is your invitation to Black On The Square - what are you waiting for?
Playing this video will set cookies from YouTube/Google
Learn what to expect at Black On The Square 2026 in BSL.
Event Production Opportunity (2026/27)
Black On The Square is seeking an experienced Event Production company to deliver the full production of this flagship GLA event on Trafalgar Square for 2026/27.
If your company can provide:
- A full production proposal
- A comprehensive event management plan
- A sustainability and accessibility plan
- A detailed health and safety plan
…then we’d love to hear from you.
Please email [email protected] to request further information and the full brief.
Submission deadline: Monday 20 April 2026.
Plan your visit
51.50798286997, -0.12805135000001
Playing this video will set cookies from YouTube/Google
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: tfl.gov.uk.
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.
Playing this video will set cookies from YouTube/Google
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.
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: www.mobiloo.org.uk.
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.
Meet the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Attend and share your feedback
Take part in a short survey about Black On The Square 2026 after you attend. The results of this research will help us understand your event experience.
The research is being carried out by DJS Research Unlimited, an independent research company. It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
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.