The Black British Book Festival is not just Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature – it’s a movement.
Founded by Selina Brown, this vibrant, family-friendly festival champions emerging talent, showcases iconic voices and puts Black British authors centre stage. Across one powerful day, expect thought-provoking panels, bold conversations, joyful children’s sessions and the UK’s largest Black book marketplace.
Proudly headlined by Pan Macmillan, this year’s lineup is electric. Join ‘America’s Mom’ Tabitha Brown at her first UK event. Hear Sir Lenny Henry & Marcus Ryder demand justice in The Big Payback. Witness June Sarpong OBE and Dame Denise Lewis DBE reflect on legacy and power. Join Jordan Stephens as he shares his raw journey through fame, fatherhood and healing.
Come be moved. Come be inspired. Come be part of something bigger.
Tagged with:Talks & eventsTake part
Duration: 12pm-9pm.
Discover the full programme below.
All non-headline events are included in a festival pass ticket but are limited capacity, so please arrive with plenty of time to secure your place.
If you have access requirements, please contact us info@barbican.org.uk
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Headliner Zone
Your Festival Pass will give you access to one of these headline events. A VIP Pass will give you access to all headline events.
Rediscovering Malcolm X: Revolution, Resistance, and the Fight for True Freedom
With Kehinde Andrews, Dawn Butler and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
1pm, Milton Court
Radical, visionary and uncompromising – join us to unpack the real Malcolm X. Kehinde Andrews, Dawn Butler MP and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu lead this bold conversation about revolution, truth and his lasting legacy.
Malcolm X wasn’t just a symbol of Black pride – he was a revolutionary force. Too often reduced to a soundbite or softened to fit mainstream narratives, his legacy has been distorted, diluted, and misunderstood.
This powerful conversation goes beyond the surface to explore the real Malcolm – the thinker, the radical, the visionary. Inspired by Nobody Can Give You Freedom by Kehinde Andrews, join Labour MP Dawn Butler, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu and Shaka Ra as they unpack how Malcolm’s message still shakes the status quo today.
Expect bold truths, fearless dialogue, and deep insight into one of the most important political voices of the 20th century.
Horizons & Heartbreak: In Conversation with Jordan Stephens
2.30pm, Milton Court
Jordan Stephens gets real on fame, healing, and fatherhood at this in-conversation event about his powerful, personal journey through art, identity and healing.
Step into the mind of Jordan Stephens, multi-hyphenate creative, Sunday Times bestselling author and one half of the iconic duo Rizzle Kicks, at this unfiltered and powerful discussion.
From chart-topping fame to creative reinvention, Jordan opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope that fuels his work. He’ll share the deeply personal journey behind his new children’s book See For Yourself, a moving, magical story about a boy, his dad, and the courage to dream wildly.
Expect honest reflections, raw vulnerability, and inspiring insight into creativity and what it really means to grow up in the spotlight and still stay true to yourself.
The Shape of Us: Legacy, Identity and Thriving in the Spotlight
With June Sarpong OBE, Dame Denise Lewis DBE and Symeon Brown
4pm, Milton Court
Two of the most iconic Black British women in media. One unforgettable conversation.
For more enquiries : Black British Book Festival 2025 | Barbican
