Black History Month returns to Leeds this month with a rich and diverse programme celebrating Black culture, heritage, resilience, and achievement across the region.
Running under the national theme "Honouring Our Communities", this year’s celebrations put a firm spotlight on the local changemakers, grassroots leaders, and creative pioneers who continue to shape the vibrant civic and cultural fabric of West Yorkshire.
From iconic stages like City Varieties, Belgrave Music Hall, and the Brudenell Social Club to essential grassroots spaces including RJC Dance Studios and Leeds Central Library, venues across the city are hosting an eclectic calendar of events.
The month-long line-up spans everything from sell-out stand-up comedy and historic lectures to guided heritage walking tours, mental health conferences, and creative youth camps.
Music lovers are particularly well catered for this year, with a genre-spanning bill featuring West African highlife, Afrosoul, and UK grime alongside intimate showcases by multi-Grammy-winning artists and classic soul tribute nights.
Whether you want to uncover the 18th-century story of the first recorded Black person in Leeds, support independent traders at a local pop-up showcase, or honour unsung community heroes at the annual awards gala, here are 16 key events taking place across Leeds throughout October.
1. Kiell Smith-Bynoe: Kool Story Bro (October 6)
Comedian and actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe - star of Ghosts, Taskmaster, and Stath Lets Flats - brings his hit improv show Kool Story Bro to Leeds following sold-out runs in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe. The high-energy performance turns real-life audience stories into completely improvised comedy alongside a secret celebrity guest and a cast of top UK improvisers. 🎟️ City Varieties Music Hall | Getty Images for SAGindie
2. Ralph and John Went to Church: Ralph Thoresby & John Lewis (October 7)
In February 1708, Leeds antiquarian Ralph Thoresby went to church with John Lewis, a servant and the first recorded Black person in Leeds. Local historian Danny Friar leads this fascinating talk exploring the connection between the two men, what brought John Lewis to West Yorkshire, and Thoresby’s historic links to the Caribbean. 🎟️ Leeds Central Library | Provided (PR Handout)
3. Untitled
A jaunty original work “Special Spice”, composed by Grammy Award-winning New Orleans-born artist PJ Morton and sweetly sung by Anika Noni Rose (the voice of Tiana), accompanies a climactic party scene.
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4. PJ Morton (October 9)
Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer PJ Morton comes to Leeds for an intimate live headline show. Renowned both as a solo artist and as Maroon 5's keyboardist, Morton brings his signature blend of soulful vocals, R&B grooves, and gospel-infused instrumentation to the underground stage at The Wardrobe. 🎟️ The Wardrobe | Provided (PR Handout)
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5. Jembaa Groove - Afrosoul Meets Highlife (October 10)
Berlin-based outfit Jembaa Groove bring their infectious fusion of Ghanaian Highlife, classic Afrosoul, and contemporary jazz to Leeds. Led by Ghanaian percussionist Eric Owusu and German producer/saxophonist Yannick Nolting, the group delivers an upbeat live set packed with horn sections and rhythmic grooves. 🎟️ Brudenell Social Club | Provided
6. Community Black Achievers Wings Awards 2026 & Conference (October 10)
Combining an empowering community conference with a gala awards evening, this event celebrates excellence, leadership, and positive contributions across West Yorkshire. The gathering begins with daytime wellness and mental health discussions before transitioning into an evening of awards, dining, and recognition, running from 6:30 PM through to midnight. 🎟️ Village Hotel Leeds North