The Black British Book Festival’s Historic Debut at Glastonbury: Celebrating Black Literature and Grime Music

The Black British Book Festival made history at Glastonbury Festival, hosting its inaugural Black Literature panel in collaboration with Team Love, Bristol-based event organisers. Titled “Going Against The Grain,” the panel chaired by Magdalene Abraha featured luminaries like George the Poet, Franklyn Addo, and Metal Messiah. The dialogue, held on June 25, 2023, at Silver Hayes field, explored Grime music’s unconventional journey and cultural influence. Attendees were enthralled by insightful discussions, personal stories, and compelling performances, fostering discussions on inclusivity and diverse creative voices.

The festival extends gratitude to Glastonbury for spotlighting Black literature and music, marking an unprecedented cultural moment, celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black artists.