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May is here! And with two bank holidays for you to find different ways to soak up Caribbean culture. Not only can you join my first Raffia Embroidery Workshop in my new Central London location but you can also catch brilliant exhibitions at Tate Britain and V&A East. Original Flava Kidz is also back with their Parent & Child Caribbean Cooking Classes.
Scroll down to see all the Caribbean inspired discoveries for May.
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
Benjamin Zephaniah Celebration
Join Brunel University on 13 May as they celebrate the life, voice and legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah - a writer, performer and activist who inspired generations through his words and his commitment to justice, creativity and community.
This special event will bring together students, alumni and local schools for a day of workshops, creativity and live performance, culminating in a powerful showcase of new work inspired by his impact.
Image from @eventsatbrunel
Launch of Escaping Babylon: An Intimate History of Black British Music by Jesse Bernard
Head to The Africa Centre for the launch of Escaping Babylon: An Intimate History of Black British Music by Jesse Bernard. A powerful exploration of how 30 years of Black music has reshaped Britain.
From jungle and hip-hop to grime and UK trap, this is a journey through culture, creativity, and community.
In conversation with Zakia Sewell + a DJ set by Jamie Joy at The Africa Centre, London on Thursday 21 May.
Image from @theafricacentre
May Half-Term: Caribbean Connections at London Transport Museum
Celebrate Caribbean history and culture at London Transport Museum. This year marks 70 years since London Transport began recruiting employees in the Caribbean.
In 1956, London Transport launched a recruitment campaign in the Caribbean, inviting people to work on buses, stations, canteens and track maintenance. Their contribution shaped the city we know today.
Join them from Saturday 23 May - Sunday 31 May for a week of family-friendly activities that bring these stories to life.
Image from @ltmuseum
City Splash at Brockwell Park
City Splash is back for its sixth year at Brockwell Park on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, an independent one-day celebration of Caribbean and African culture.
Artists on the line up include:
- Beres Hammond
- Aidonia
- Elephant Man
- Gyptian
Image from @citysplashfest
Learn Raffia Embroidery with Tihara Smith
Come and join me for a relaxing and creative raffia embroidery workshop in London.
Don't worry if you're new to embroidery - this two-hour workshop is designed for beginners, and I will be guiding you through every step. All you need is the enthusiasm to try something new! It’s a lovely activity if you’re looking for something new to try in London with friends, family or even solo.
Learn the basics of raffia embroidery and create a piece of tropical raffia embroidery wall art.
Available dates:
- Saturday 30 May 2026
10am - 12pm - Saturday 20 June 2026
11am - 1pm - Sunday 21 June 2026
10am - 12pm - Saturday 4 July 2026
11am - 1pm - Sunday 5 July 2026
2pm - 4pm
Image from @tiharasmith
Tate Britain Exhibition - Hurvin Anderson
Hurvin Anderson’s first major solo show brings together more than 80 of his vibrant paintings, spanning the artist’s entire career, from his days as a student to new, never-before-seen paintings.
Through colour-drenched landscapes and interiors, Anderson meanders back and forth across the Atlantic, between the UK and the Caribbean. The youngest of eight children, he was the first to be born in the UK after his family left Jamaica for Birmingham in the 1960s. As a result, Anderson’s work reflects on his experiences of belonging and diaspora.
You can see Hurvin Anderson's exhibition at the Tate Modern until Sunday 23 August.
Image from @tate
Ain Bailey: The Jamaica Project
@camdenartcentre
Move through a deep and expansive exploration of identity and place.This exhibition of London-based composer, artist and DJ Ain Bailey presents her ongoing trilogy of films and compositions rooted in her biography and relationship to Jamaica.
Recorded during the artist’s first visit to Jamaica in 2025, in the exhibition’s newly commissioned work, 5C Jacques Road: Part One (2026), viewers travel with Bailey on her journey across the island towards the place where her mother’s family once lived.
The exhibition is open until Sunday 14 June 2026
Image from @camdenartcentre
Caribbean Taste of the Month
Genny Graham's Pepper Jelly
Jenny Graham is a British-Bajan entrepreneur from South London who made her mark on the British food industry with the birth of her explosive Pepper Jellies in 2008.
First of all - they are delicious! If you've not tasted Genny Graham's Pepper Jelly, then you are missing out.
I discovered her brand years ago and fell in love with her range of pepper jelly, which comes in four delicious flavours:
- Original
- Ginger Lime
- Orange Cumin
- Plum Star Anise
If you're undecided on which to try first then you can try the Quartet Mini Gift Pack for yourself or as a lovely gift for the foodie in your life.
Image from @gennygrahampj
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last month we highlighted The Music is Black, at V&A East Museum, which explores 125 years of music, style and community that changed the UK. From the slow sway of Lovers Rock, to the basslines of Jungle, to the raw energy of Grime - sound has shaped generations of British culture.
We also told you about House of Flavaz. Led by the talented Chef Andre Lucien, this spot is a dedicated celebration of vibrant, classic island dishes that taste exactly like home.
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Reminder: It's Father's Day on 21st June
Stuck on what to get the father figure in your life this Father's Day? We have a few ideas that may help you find the perfect gift for your dad... coupled with a greeting card with plenty of space to write him a heartfelt message.
Here are some cards perfect for the fathers & grandfathers in your life.
More Discoveries
This month, I’ve come across even more incredible finds that simply had to be part of Curated Caribbean! Here are some additional gems to explore:
Caribbean Studies Podcast
The Caribbean Studies Podcast, the first podcast from the Society for Caribbean Studies.
Hosted by Dr Leighan Renaud, Dr Adom Philogene-Heron, and Andel Andrew, the series brings together scholars, practitioners, and activists from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Through conversation, they explore Caribbean studies not only as an academic discipline, but as an ongoing dialogue shaped by people, place, history, and lived experience.
Episodes are released bi-weekly on Mondays, with conversations that look at the Caribbean as both a region and a site of study. It’s currently available on Spotify, with wider streaming platforms expected to follow.
For anyone interested in Caribbean history, culture, research, or contemporary thought, this feels like a podcast worth adding to your listening list this May.
Image from @societyforcaribbeanstudies
Original Flava Kidz Parent & Child Caribbean Cooking Classes
Original Flava's Flava Kidz is back!! The brother duo, Craig & Shaun are inviting your kids to their kitchen for a Caribbean Cooking Classes.
Carrying on the tradition of passing down the recipes they learnt from their mum and grandmother, the brothers want to pass their knowledge down to the next generation of cooks.
The first session was a huge success and now they want to welcome more children into their kitchen to enjoy a cooking class with great fun, confidence building and of course delicious food.
Tickets go on sale from Friday 1 May.
Image from @originalflava
BBC Music is Black in Collaboration with the V&A East Museum
Meet the artists and discover the black British music scenes that shaped Britain.
From DJ mixes and revealing documentaries, to nostalgic clips from BBC Archive and the chance to share your own stories, you can listen, watch and take part in their hub dedicated to the exhibition currently at V&A East.
Music is black Inside V&A East
Things to look out for later in the year & beyond
Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird, directed by Bartlett Sher, returns to the West End at Wyndham’s Theatre from 25 June - 12 September. More info
Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie is back with her second installment of the book, Queenie Is Working on It. It's available for pre-order and officially out on 9 August. More info
The Belgrade Theatre's next landmark production, coming Spring 2027, will bring the story of Nanny of the Maroons to life. As a freedom fighter of the 18th century and Jamaican national hero, her courage and resilience continue to inspire generations today. More info
Steel Pan Reimagined takes place on 25 July at the Southbank, celebrating 75 years since the sound of the steel pan arrived in the UK. More info
Reggae Choir returns to Alexandra Palace Theatre on Sunday 28th June 2026 with Roots & Riddims. This family-friendly event brings together live choral Reggae, deep roots riddims, and sound system energy. More info
As we get closer to the 22 June you'll start to see more events for Windrush Day - celebrating all those who arrived to the UK from the Caribbean. I've started to gather a list of events, but if you know of any I should list email me (hello@tiharasmith.com). More info
A Taste of Rum with Ian Burrell at the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival on 19, 20, 21 June. The Award winning Global Rum Ambassador and TV Presenter, Ian Burrell, will take your taste buds & palate on an “Edu-Taining” tour of the Rum world. More info
Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Get in touch!
Have you come across any inspiring stories or exciting discoveries celebrating Caribbean culture and the diaspora? Whether it’s Caribbean fashion, Caribbean food, or Caribbean-inspired art, I’d love to spotlight your discoveries. I’d especially love to hear about hidden gems or events outside of London. Email hello@tiharasmith.com to share your finds with me, and I’ll do my best to feature them in the next Curated Caribbean to share with our community!
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this blog post. For any questions about their products or services, please contact them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curated Caribbean and Caribbean Culture in the UK
What is Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is a monthly roundup celebrating Caribbean culture, creativity, and community - from events and exhibitions in the UK to Caribbean-inspired food, fashion, and travel discoveries.
Who writes Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is created by me, Tihara Smith, a fashion designer, and textile artist passionate about Caribbean heritage and the Windrush generation’s influence on British culture.
How can I get featured in Curated Caribbean?
If you have a Caribbean-inspired product or event, you can email hello@tiharasmith.com with details about your product, event, or story for a chance to be featured.
How can I stay updated on new posts and events?
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates, event highlights, and exclusive Caribbean-inspired discoveries - plus enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.
Or follow us on social media - @tiharasmith
Does Tihara Smith work with brands or collaborators?
We occasionally collaborate with like-minded people that celebrate Caribbean culture. Get in touch via hello@tiharasmith.com if you’d like to discuss opportunities.
Is Curated Caribbean affiliated with the events or businesses mentioned?
No, unless otherwise stated, we are not affiliated with the featured brands or venues. For specific product or ticket enquiries, please contact them directly.
Why is Caribbean culture important to the UK?
The Caribbean community has played a vital role in shaping British music, fashion, food, and identity, from the Windrush generation to today’s artists and entrepreneurs. Curated Caribbean celebrates that ongoing legacy.
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