Black History Month Celebration

About

Come along on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd October to celebrate Black History Month at Maidstone Town Hall and Jubilee Square.

🖤 Why We Celebrate

This year’s national theme, "Standing Firm in Power and Pride," is a celebration of strength, beauty, and unity within Black communities – honouring the past, grounding ourselves in the present, and stepping proudly into the future.

Our local two-day celebration in Maidstone brings this theme to life through storytelling, rhythm, shared meals, wellness, and connection. It’s designed to uplift all ages, backgrounds and experiences – because we believe Black history is British history, and our joy belongs to everyone.

🥁 DAY ONE: CELEBRATE

📅 Tuesday 21st October 2025
📍 Starting at Trinity Foyer → Jubilee Square → Maidstone Town Hall
🕚 11:00 AM – Parade Begins | 🕦 11:30 AM – Main Celebration Starts

Session Title: "Rhythms of Resistance, Colours of Joy"
A joyful celebration of Black history and culture – where Carnival meets community in the heart of Maidstone!

The Day Includes:

🎤 “Drumbeat of the Ancestors” – African Drumming & Storytelling with Abas (One Drum) 
Start the day grounded in tradition and tales. Abas brings rhythm and roots with interactive drumming and timeless African folk stories.
👉 [onedrum.org.uk]

💃🏾 "African Dance" with MayaLu 

🥁 “Proud in Pan” – Steelband Performance by Hot To You Drop 
Feel the sunshine as this dynamic steelpan group fills the square with Caribbean sounds – music that moves the body and lifts the soul.

💃🏾 “Parade of Pride” – Samba Street Show with The Samba Girls
Our street explodes with colour and carnival energy as the Samba Girls lead us in a celebration of culture, confidence, and community. Join in with a mini dance class – all ages welcome!

🍛 “Taste of the Diaspora” – Caribbean Food Stall (Outside Town Hall)
Enjoy authentic Caribbean cooking – jerk chicken, plantain, rice & peas and vegan delights. Food is culture, and we’re sharing it with love.

🎤 “At the Centre" – musical (Main Chamber, Town Hall) 
Fusing classic musical theatre stylings with West African inspired story-telling rhythms, this musical in its rehearsed reading format promises to make you laugh, to move you and prompt you to ponder the importance of community, and what could be left in its absence. Buckle in and welcome to the Centre!

🎨 “Create with Courage” – Indoor Creative Workshops (Town Hall)
Let your creativity shine:

• Face mask painting inspired by African and Caribbean heritage
• Carnival costume design corner
• Dressing-up station to join the afternoon parade

🧘🏿‍♀️ DAY TWO: REFLECT & RESTORE

📅 Wednesday 22nd October 2025
📍 Maidstone Town Hall & Mindful Zones

Session Title: "Healing in Our Power"
A quieter day focused on wellbeing, community care, and conversations that matter.

The Day Includes:

🩺 “Check In, Not Out” – NHS Health & Info Stall
Nurses and health practitioners offering advice and check-ins on:

• High blood pressure
• Prostate health
• Diabetes & other key concerns
• How to access help locally

🧘🏾 “Power in Stillness” – Pilates Taster Sessions x2
Free sessions to stretch, breathe, and reconnect with your body. No experience needed – just comfy clothes and an open heart.

🧠 “Peace of Mind” – Mindfulness & Happiness Workshops x2 (Led by Incredible Thinks)
Gentle sessions blending meditation, movement and affirmations – a space to pause, breathe, and restore your inner glow.

🧶 “Threads of Us” – Community Corners for Connection
Hosted by trained Mental Health First Aiders and volunteers, these welcoming drop-ins offer:

• Knit & Natter (no skill required – just join the chat!)
• Quiet writing & reflection space
• Board games and mindful colouring
• Warm drinks, soft lighting, and gentle conversations

🌟 Celebrating Together – Standing Firm, Standing Tall

Each activity across the two days is grounded in the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”:

• Power through self-expression, movement, and music
• Pride in our heritage, our stories, and our contributions
• Firmness through community, care, and connection

✅ What This Means for Maidstone

This programme offers more than a moment – it builds momentum.

We expect to:

• Strengthen community identity and intergenerational engagement
• Increase visibility of Black heritage in Maidstone
• Improve wellbeing and health awareness in marginalised groups
• Build pride, confidence, and connection across all communities