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Things are looking a lot brighter outside since our last Curated Caribbean and just in time too for all the Caribbean inspired events coming up this month! Including my Raffia Embroidery Workshops at a new location in Central London.
Scroll down to find out the new dates and discover what else is on:
Curated Contents
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
Going to Granny's
Step into a night where the nostalgia of Granny’s house meets the high-octane energy of a live concert on 5 April at Outernet. They're flipping the script on traditional performances to bring you a concert/party hybrid that celebrates your favourite Soca, Reggae, and Dancehall classics.
Think signature medleys, layered harmonies, and a "likkle gospel energy" that transforms the room into a full-blown party.
Reggae Choir
Get ready to feel the rhythm! Join the Reggae Choir for their next free meet-up and daytime dance. Head down on 3 April to the Clore Ballroom (Southbank Centre) from 2pm, with the performance kicking off at 3:15pm.
Part of the Simmer Down series, these sessions move through different spaces at the Southbank Centre to celebrate reggae and revival culture. It’s all about uniting the community and sparking pure joy through the power of live music.
Sickle Cell Society Exhibition - Our Journey, Our Story: History and Memory of Sickle Society
Our Journey, Our Story: History and Memory of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Britain 1950-2020 is now open.
First launched in 2021 at the Black Cultural Archives, the exhibition returns in 2026 at The Royal London Hospital from 11 March - 11 April, continuing to highlight the history, advocacy and lived experiences that have shaped the sickle cell community in Britain.
The Music is Black: A British Story
@vam_east
Opens Saturday 18 April.
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.
The Music is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum explores 125 years of music, style and community that changed the UK.
London Reggae and Food Festival
The London Reggae and Food Festival is back! Join them on 18 April at Riverside East, for a full day of Caribbean flavours and a perfect way to kickstart the brighter weather.
Saxon Sound, Rampage Sound, DJ Larni & Izzy Bossy will all be making a return bringing good energy all day!
Event details
- Saturday 18 April 2026
2pm - 10pm - Riverside East, London
The Origin of Black Music Record Fair
For the true music and history buffs, the place to be on 18 April is UNDR. On a day that celebrates the magic of independent record stores, this fair is carving out a specific space to honour the foundations: The Origin of Black Music.
Visit for:
- Music stalls
- Memorabilia
- Delicious food & drinks
- DJ sets from the vendors
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
Our Yard: Foundations Exhibition
Our Yard: Foundations is a mixed-reality experience that explores the ongoing celebration of the positive impact of immigration on the UK, told through the lens of Sound System Culture, finding joy in defiance, in community, and in music. From community halls to pirate radio buzzing through living-room walls.
This exhibition focuses on the early migration of individuals from the Caribbean in the 1960s and how they forged their paths and left their mark through sound, style, and community during the 1970s, 1980s, and to this day.
Our Yard Foundations Exhibition is a free event and is showing at the New Art Exchange until the 2nd May.
Music Inspired Cards
Caribbean Taste of the Month
House of Flavaz at Udnr
If your food cravings are leading you toward West London, make a beeline for the first floor of UNDR. This is where you'll find 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.
Every plate focuses on bold spices and slow-cooked textures.
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last month we highlighted Original Flava Kitchen's new location at Jumbi Peckham with a brand new menu filled with Caribbean fusion small plates including oxtail Trini doubles, plantain tostones with scotch bonnet hummus, rum BBQ chicken skewers as well as signature 48 hour marinated jerk chicken smoked on the drum, nanny’s curry goat & much more.
We also featured the Saint Lucia High Commission Reminiscences: Conversations with the Diaspora - a series of interviews with to celebrate the heritage and contributions of the diaspora community to mark the island's 47th Anniversary of Independence.
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:
China Meets Jamaica at Jazu Bar
Chinese cuisine meets Jamaican flavours, with a menu by chef Cat Poon and Luke Diboll (currently cooking at Borough Market’s Rambutan).
Combining elements of her own heritage and her upbringing in South East London, Cat’s menu brings Jamaican spices to traditional Chinese cookery.
Book fast as the two-week residency finishes on Saturday 4th April.
In this special, Giana “Regal” Abreu‑Christopher visits Ricardo Richards Elementary School to teach students the cultural art of Virgin Islands head wrapping. She shares the meanings behind traditional head tie “points,” explains the history and symbolism of the Virgin Islands madras, and guides students through creating their own wraps.
Jonathan Guy-Gladding (JAG) Artist
I recently came across the artist Jonathan Guy-Gladding (@jagartist) and absolutely love his work. He captures stunning illustrations of St Lucia.
He says in his bio 'it is my desire to tell a story in details, whether it’s about the warmth and spirit of the people of the Caribbean or something as simple as the way the reflected light colours the edge of a child’s face.'
Caribbean Easter Recipes
Hopefully you're reading this month's blog in time for Easter so you can get your ingredients to make saltfish fritters, escovitch fish and bun & cheese. A few Caribbean favourites at this time of the year - in fact, any time of the year! So, if you are reading this later you can still enjoy these recipes.
Original Flava Air fryer Jamaican Escovitch Fish
Good Friday is not complete without a fish dish of some kind and Escovitch Fish is one of the most delicious. Typically fried, but with Original Flava's air fryer spin you'll get the same delicious flavour, a little lighter and with less the mess.
Jamaica Food and Recipes
I totally agree with @jamaicanfoodsandrecipes - in a Jamaican household bun and cheese comes together with Easter.
Every year my nanny makes it, so I love when it comes to this time of the year as she never disappoints, its always delicious!
Cards inspired by Caribbean food
One of the inspirations for my greeting cards is food. Caribbean food is so rich in flavour that once you try it, it's so hard to forget, so often in the Caribbean if you love someone, the love you have for them is often described with the love of well-known Caribbean food, like the ones in our love you like range of cards.
Reminder: It's Father's Day on 21st June
Here are some cards perfect for the fathers & grandfathers in your life.
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
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!
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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