The Black British Book Festival is gearing up for its fourth year, and the excitement is palpable as the event’s line-up has been announced. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024 at the prestigious Barbican Centre in London, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of Black British literature and talent like never before.
One of the highlights of the festival will be Grammy-winning recording artist Eve, who will be presenting her autobiography „Who’s That Girl? A Memoir.“ Joining her on the line-up are esteemed figures such as Diane Abbott, the mother of the house, and journalist and presenter Charlene White. The diverse range of speakers also includes Big Manny, Black activists Mikaela Loach, Tayshan Hayden-Smith, and Kwajo Tweneboa, as well as life coach Paul Carrick Brunson, who will be hosting a fireside chat on finding love.
Karena Johnson, head of creative collaboration at the Barbican Centre, expressed her pride in hosting the Black British Literature Festival for the first time this year. She emphasized the importance of celebrating Black excellence and amplifying shared connections through the power of books and reading, especially in the current social climate.
The festival’s headline sponsors, Pan Macmillan, are joined by other esteemed partners such as Hachette, Ink Sweat & Tears, National Book Tokens, Audible, HarperCollins, and ILP. Emma Bravo, communications director at Picador and Partnerships at Pan Macmillan, highlighted the significance of the festival in deepening their connection with Black readers and celebrating Black authors.
Selina Brown, the festival’s founder, shared her vision for the event, stating that the Black British Book Festival aims to create a space where Black British literature and talent can thrive. She emphasized that the festival is not just an event but a movement that inspires and challenges the traditional literary landscape.
For those eager to attend the festival, tickets will go on sale from 21st August 2024, with wristband tickets priced at £10. This presents a fantastic opportunity for literature enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in celebrating Black British culture to come together and immerse themselves in a day filled with insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and inspiring conversations.
Overall, the Black British Book Festival promises to be a vibrant and enriching experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of Black British literature and talent. With an impressive line-up of speakers and sponsors, this year’s festival is set to be a memorable and impactful event that showcases the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in literature.