BBBF 2024 Breaks Records: Our Largest Festival Yet!

The Black British Book Festival 2024 was nothing short of a triumph! Held on 5th October at the iconic Barbican Centre in London, this year’s festival was our largest and most successful event to date, drawing an incredible 5,500 attendees from across the UK.

From the moment the doors opened, the festival was alive with energy, creativity, and excitement. Our headline acts, including renowned figures like Eve, Charlene White, and Diane Abbott, helped set the tone for a day that was filled with inspiration and celebration of Black British literature and culture. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees eager to engage with authors, speakers, and each other.

The 2024 festival featured an exciting mix of panel discussions, author talks, and workshops. These sessions delved into important topics such as identity, representation, and the power of storytelling. Our diverse programme ensured there was something for everyone, whether you were a book lover, aspiring writer, or simply passionate about the stories that shape our culture.

One of the highlights of the day was the wide variety of interactive workshops that allowed attendees to dive deeper into their creative journeys. These workshops covered a range of topics, from writing techniques to exploring the complexities of Black British identity. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing how the sessions sparked new ideas and provided valuable tools for their creative work.

This year, we were also proud to have a fantastic line-up of Black British authors, poets, and thinkers who shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom with festival-goers. The vibrant discussions and passionate exchanges created a space for genuine connection, reflection, and growth.

We were also thrilled to see our festival expand with a dedicated Children’s Zone, where young readers were introduced to inspiring books that reflect their own communities. The Black Book Seller Village was another major attraction, showcasing a diverse range of independent bookshops and small presses that are at the heart of the Black literary scene.

The success of BBBF 2024 was a testament to the power of community and the importance of celebrating Black British voices. We were delighted to see so many of you—our BBBF family—join us to make this year’s festival such a memorable occasion. The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of solidarity in the air were truly special.

A huge thank you to all our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers for their support in making this event possible. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who attended, whether in person or virtually, for making the 2024 festival our best yet.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue our mission of showcasing and amplifying Black British literature, and we can’t wait to bring you even more incredible events in the future. Stay tuned for what’s to come, and once again, thank you for making BBBF 2024 an unforgettable success!