In a remarkably short space of time, The Black British Book Festival (BBBF) has become a crucial barometer of change within the UK’s literary landscape. By 2025, it had firmly established itself as Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature. Ultimately, the event has transformed into a major cultural platform, uniting authors and readers while forging new standards for representation across the entire publishing industry. Read more about how a small initiative grew into a continent-wide movement on londonski.
The Origins and Evolution of The Black British Book Festival
Founded in 2021, The Black British Book Festival was conceived as a direct response to the systemic barriers and lack of representation prevalent in the UK’s publishing sphere. The idea was born from the personal experience of author Selina Brown, who struggled to find a publisher for her early works. After several frustrating attempts with traditional houses, she successfully self-published Before Breath (2015) and Nena: The Green Juice (2020). The inaugural festival took place in Birmingham in October 2021, attracting a solid 800 attendees.
The following year, the 2022 The Black British Book Festival was hosted at the Legacy Centre of Excellence in Aston. The event significantly expanded its programme, welcoming celebrated guests such as Sir Lenny Henry and historian David Olusoga. Their talks focused on vital subjects like representation, launching a writing career, and navigating literary agents. Attendance doubled, unequivocally confirming the sustained interest in, and desperate need for, such a dedicated platform.
The Festival relocated to London in 2023, taking over the prestigious Southbank Centre. The line-up featured acclaimed authors, including Joseph Coelho, Gary Younge, and Dawn Butler. That same year, the festival also organised a massive seven-city national tour, which involved approximately 60 writers. Crucially, it also cemented partnerships with leading cultural events like the Hay Festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival, and Glastonbury Festival.
In 2024, The Black British Book Festival was staged at the Barbican Centre in London. Grammy-winning rapper Eve made an appearance to discuss her autobiography, Who’s That Girl?, and share her perspective on the challenges of her career. Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to the British Parliament, spoke about her experiences detailed in her memoir, A Woman Like Me. Meanwhile, journalist and broadcaster Charlene White added to the programme with reflections on her own professional and personal transformations. Festival-goers were also able to attend panel discussions, keynote speeches, and masterclasses led by a wide array of other notable figures.
The 2025 Black British Book Festival returned to the Barbican Centre, bringing together nearly 80 authors from the UK and internationally. This year’s guests included Tabitha Brown, the author and influencer, who made her debut UK speaking appearance. Sir Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder returned for a new discussion titled “The Big Payback,” which zeroed in on issues of fairness and structural change across the media and creative industries. Furthermore, June Sarpong and Denise Lewis shared their insights on the importance of legacy, the power of personal example, and the influence visible leaders can exert.
The Recognition and Significance of The Black British Book Festival
The Black British Book Festival has blossomed into a major cultural institution with year-round activity. Its programme now encompasses workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses, and author meet-ups, connecting established writers, fresh voices, and dedicated readers. The festival boasts an impressive list of partners and sponsors, including Penguin, Audible, the Booker Prize Foundation, Pan Macmillan, and National Express. Its standing is further amplified by recognition from leading media outlets such as BBC News, Cosmopolitan, and The Guardian.
