Black History Month in Croydon

Croydon Council are proud to be supporting the following projects for Black History Month 2026:

Pegasus Opera Company: Legacy & Hope

An unforgettable celebration marking 30 years of breaking barriers, championing diverse voices and bringing extraordinary music to the stage.

The Legacy & Hope Concert features outstanding professional artists alongside the Croydon harmony choir in an inspiring evening celebrating opera, musical theatre and songs inspired by the Black diaspora. Legacy & Hope celebrates Pegasus’s founder Lloyd Newton’s enduring vision: Harmony in Diversity.

Many voices. One Stage. Opera for all.

The Windrush Generation Legacy Association: The Hands That Build Croydon

A new exhibition from the Windrush Generation Legacy Association celebrating the people who help make Croydon a vibrant and welcoming borough. Through a series of professional portraits and personal stories, the exhibition shines a light on the contributions of local residents from across generations, including carers, teachers, volunteers, business owners, creatives, mentors and young people making a positive difference in their communities.

This free public exhibition is displayed in Croydon town centre, giving residents and visitors the chance to discover and celebrate the individuals whose everyday efforts help shape and strengthen our borough.

Croydon CEZ: Honouring Croydon’s Black Music Communities

A celebration of the people, places and communities that have shaped Croydon’s rich Black music heritage.

Combining live music, conversation and community storytelling, the event explores the borough’s musical journey across generations, from jazz, soul and reggae to grime, dubstep and contemporary Black British music. Featuring a heritage panel, performances from local musicians and a partnership with Croydon FM, the event highlights the artists, venues, record shops, broadcasters and grassroots networks that have helped define Croydon’s place in the UK’s music culture.

Scanners Inc: Made in Croydon: A Season of Black Brilliance

A celebration of the creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural impact of Croydon’s Black communities.

Taking place around Surrey Street Market, the event explores the journeys of the artists, musicians and business owners who have helped shape the borough’s identity, from the pioneering figures behind Croydon’s influential dubstep scene to today’s emerging talent.

Through dance workshops for young people, culminating in a performance inspired by Nadia Rose’s iconic Skwod video, and a recorded panel discussion featuring Black women from across the music industry, the event spotlights the borough’s contribution to Black British music and creative industries.

Soul Purpose 360: Croydon Roots, Rising Voices

Croydon Roots, Rising Voices: Croydon’s Black Story, Past, Present and Still Writing Itself is a three-day celebration that brings together stories, heritage, creativity and community at Soul-Full in Croydon town centre.

Led by Soul Purpose 360 CIC, the programme honours the Black elders, activists, entrepreneurs, faith leaders and community change makers who have helped shape the borough, while creating opportunities for younger generations to connect with their local history.

Through a community exhibition, storytelling sessions, oral history recording, heritage workshops, live performances and a film screening, residents will have the chance to share experiences, celebrate achievements and explore the rich contributions of Black communities to Croydon’s past and present.

Croydon BME: Black Croydon: Honouring Our Communities

Black Croydon: Honouring Our Communities is a free event that celebrates the people, stories and organisations that have helped shape Black life in Croydon.

Taking place in the heart of the town centre, the event combines heritage displays, live performances, storytelling and creative workshops to showcase the borough’s rich Black history and living cultural heritage.

Through photographs, community stories, conversations with local residents and contributions from artists and performers, the event highlights the achievements of elders, volunteers, community leaders and grassroots organisations whose impact is often overlooked.