Four excellent things to do this Black History Month in London

This Black History Month, storytellers and creatives are bringing the experiences of African and Caribbean people to life through music, art, theatre and exhibitions

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Written by Lola Christina Alao (Time Out). Paid for by Transport for LondonWednesday 28 September 2022

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It’s October, which means Black History Month is here! And lucky for us all, London is packed with events that showcase the histories of African and Caribbean people, and the vital ways their cultures have shaped our society. Together with Transport for London, we’ve picked out a handful of fabulous things to do. The best part is that loads of them are either free, or under a tenner – making your outing even more affordable when you take into account TfL’s off-peak fares!

Check out the Black history Tube map
Transport for London has teamed up with the Black Cultural Archives to launch a seriously fascinating Tube map. Each stop represents a person of African or Caribbean descent that has made a significant contribution to London, from Tudor times to the present day. Look out for names like Claudia Jones, the woman who co-founded Notting Hill Carnival and founded Britain’s first major Black newspaper; and George Bridgetower, a virtuoso violinist of the Georgian era.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Museum of London Black History Month / Grime Stories

Photograph: © Jonas Martinez/Museum of London

Nearest station: Barbican

One of the best things about London is its diversity of food and music. And this Black History Month, the Museum of London is inviting you to explore the stories of Black Londoners through a collection of articles, videos and photography. One that you definitely don’t want to miss is Grime Stories: a free display exploring the history of grime in East London and the community who pioneered the genre, plus a series of newly commissioned films and personal objects from some of the scene’s major players.

Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. Free. Exhibition runs until December 4.

Photograph: V&A Museum

Nearest station: South Kensington

We gave the V&A’s ambitious new fashion exhibition five stars and called it a “glorious celebration”. Expect a vibrant, compelling journey from the 1960s to today through the lens of African fashion, and its impact on a global stage. Look out for the stunning pink outfit of a cape and trousers by Imane Ayissi as you enter, and expect nothing less than mind-blowing design and lots of heart from beginning to end.

V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. £16. Ends April 2023.

Black History Month at the Horniman Museum

Nearest station: Forest Hill Overground

There’s a plethora of inspiring and eye-opening events at the Horniman this October. One highlight is sure to be the free photographic display, ‘An Ode to Afrosurrealism’ or the exhibition ‘Dance Can’t Nice: Exploring London’s Black music spaces’. Make sure you check out ‘Nigeria60’, celebrating 60 years since Nigeria attained independence.

Multiple locations online and at the Horniman. 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ. Most events free, others from £7.50.

Photograph: (c) Feast Creative

Nearest station: Waterloo

This dazzling new play fuses dance, music and dialogue to explore human relationships in their many forms. ‘I Wonder If…’ directed by Daniel Bailey and devised by the company, explores the story of two friends meeting, on a journey to figure out the depths of their affection.

Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo SE1 8LZ. £10. Oct 24-29.

Get there with Transport for London

Photograph: Transport for London

Thanks to Transport for London’s off-peak fares, you can get even better value as you travel across London. Off-peak fares apply every weekday between 9.30am and 3.59pm, and after 7pm. They also apply all day at weekends and on public holidays. Always touch in and out with the same card or device to pay the right fare.

Travel in zones 2-6 for £1.90
Fare shown is for an adult off-peak pay-as-you-go journey not going via Zone 1 on Tube, DLR and most London Overground services.

Kids under 11 travel free!
Up to four kids can travel free on the DLR at any time when accompanied by a fare paying adult.

Travel by bus for £1.65
The Hopper fare gives you unlimited journeys for £1.65, made within one hour of touching in.

Travel into Zone 1 for just £2.60
Fare shown is for an adult off-peak pay-as-you-go journey from Zone 2 into Zone 1 on Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth Line services.

To plan your journey, download the real-time travel app on iOS or Android, TfL Go, to find the quieter times to travel. Or, visit TfL’s journey planner.

Wherever you’re going, by choosing public transport you’re making a good choice for you and a more sustainable choice for London.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Four excellent things to do this Black History Month in London

Museum of London Black History Month / Grime Stories

Africa Fashion

Black History Month at the Horniman Museum

YV Unpacked: I Wonder If…

Get there with Transport for London