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October is always a busy one, with Black History Month bringing a wave of celebrations, exhibitions and events, so there's a lot to choose from this month.
I won't go into detail about Black History Month here as I've got a whole separate post dedicated to it, so head over to Where to Learn About Black British History in the UK for museums, books, and events. I'll be updating it throughout October, so do check back and let me know of any great Black History Month events I may have missed.
For Curated Caribbean, we’ve found lots of great activities for you to enjoy the spirit of the Caribbean right here in the UK, including my series of Raffia Embroidery Workshops: online, at the Knit and Stitch Show and at my workshop space in Waterloo.
Scroll down to learn more about my Raffia Embroidery Workshops and to see what I’ve found for October!
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life
2 October 2026 - 28 February 2027
Orleans House Gallery
@orleanshousegallery
Ronald Moody was a Jamaican-born sculptor, specialising in wood carvings. His work features in collections including the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain in London, as well as the National Gallery of Jamaica. He was the brother of anti-racist campaigner Harold Moody and award-winning physiologist Ludlow Moody.
Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life brings together sculpture, poetry and sound to celebrate a groundbreaking 20th-century artist.
Discover a powerful creative legacy, as Moody’s work comes back to London, where he lived, worked and carved for over 50 years.
Image from @orleanshousegallery
Black Eats Fest
3 - 4 October 2026
Hackney Bridge, East London
@blackeatsfest
Black Eats Fest returns to Hackney Bridge for a weekend of Afro-Caribbean food, drink, music, and independent businesses.
The festival brings together food traders alongside drinks, retail, and DJs, so it’s a good opportunity to try something new.
There are two sessions each day:
- 12 - 4pm (All Ages)
- 5 - 9pm (18+)
Image from @blackeatsfest
Black British Book Festival
Sunday 4 October
Barbican Centre, London
@bbbookfestival
Now in its fifth year, the Black British Book Festival returns to the Barbican as Europe's largest Black literature festival. Expect 70+ authors, panels, and a real buzz across the building, with this year's line-up including Candice Carty-Williams, Corinne Bailey Rae, Emma Dabiri and Wretch 32, among many more.
This year, they're bringing even more to the Black British Book Festival with their
FREE programme.
Image from @bbbookfestival
Power in Play by For The Big Kids
8 October 2026 | The Albany, Deptford
Rediscover the joy of play through ludo, dominoes, ampe, tinko and other games rooted in African and Caribbean heritage.
Expect stories, a lively quiz and a Tinko tournament at this relaxed evening celebrating culture and connection.
Image from @thealbanyse8
Black Culture Market: Black History Month
Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 October
Brixton, London
@blackculturemarket
Black Culture Market returns with its pop-up celebrating the vibrancy of African Caribbean culture and commerce.
Expect:
- Stalls
- Food
- And plenty of Black-owned businesses to discover over the weekend.
Tickets are free.
Image from @blackculturemarket
Bon Mangé x Setlist
Sunday 11 October
River Terrace, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, 1pm - 5pm
@bonmange
Bon Mangé are teaming up with Setlist again to bring Sessions to Somerset House for Vol 6 - a modern St. Lucian dining experience like no other. Enjoy a vibrant five-dish tasting menu paired with island-inspired drinks. Join them for good food, good vibes, and a true taste of St. Lucia in the city.
Image from @bonmange
Raffia Embroidery Workshop
17 October, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1
If your autumn is already feeling a bit full-on, raffia embroidery is a lovely way to carve out a couple of hours for yourself.
Spend some time away from the usual rush, learn something new, and leave with a colourful piece of art for your home.
During my beginner-friendly workshop, I'll teach you the raffia embroidery technique I developed while creating my graduate collection, inspired by my Caribbean heritage and the Windrush Generation.
You'll work with natural and paper raffia in your choice of bold colours, choosing between a hibiscus flower or tropical monstera leaf design. Workshops are kept small, with a maximum of six people, so there's plenty of time for questions and individual help.
No previous embroidery experience is needed, and all materials and equipment are provided.
The next workshop is on 17 October.
An Evening with Rudolph Walker CBE
18 October 2026, 5pm
Millfield Theatre, Edmonton
@millfieldtheatre
Rudolph Walker celebrates an incredible sixty years on screen with a special evening at Millfield Theatre.
Born in Trinidad, Walker has had a remarkable career in British television, film, and theatre, and the evening will look back at his journey from Trinidad to his acting career in Britain.
There will also be dance, music, and drama from students of the Rudolph Walker Foundation and Platinum Performing Arts, with a guest appearance from Diane Parish.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Rudolph Walker Foundation and Platinum Performing Arts, which work with young people.
And if you own Walker’s book, bring it along as there will be a signing after the show.
You can grab a copy here.
Image from @millfieldtheatre
The UK RumFest: The 20th Anniversary
Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 October
Mercure London Suite, Conference Centre, Earls Court
@ukrumfest
The world's longest-running rum festival turns 20 this year.
Hosted by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, expect over 400 rums from around the world, tastings, cocktail masterclasses with master blenders and distillers, and a dedicated Barbados Rum Experience.
There's also a live Caribbean music and dancing "Carnival Hour" at the end of each show day. So if you love rum, you'll love this!
Image from @ukrumfest
Original Flava Parent & Child Caribbean Cooking Class
24 October, 10am - 12pm
Sutton, South London
@originalflava
Join bestselling chefs Craig & Shaun McAnuff for the Original Flava Kidz Parent & Child Cooking Class where you’ll learn how to make Jamaican Beef or Vegetable patties.
This class is all about spending quality time together, learning new skills, creating memories through food, and passing down authentic Caribbean recipes to the next generation.
Image from @originalflava
The Black Curriculum’s 7th Birthday Gala | 29 October 2026 | 6–9pm | V&A East Museum, London
The Black Curriculum celebrates seven years of impact with an evening themed around Black British jazz and glamour.
Join them to recognise the achievements of their 2025/26 Young Champions, welcome the new cohort and enjoy live performances, a keynote, networking and a showcase of the young people’s work.
Image from @theblackcurriculum
Windrush International Caribbean Film Festival
October
Various Locations
@windrush_fest
CaribbeanTales presents the Windrush International Caribbean Film Festival (WICFF), connecting audiences across the UK, Canada, the Caribbean and beyond.
Celebrates stories of migration, courage, creativity, resistance, family and transformation and the people who changed the world.
Image from @windrush_fest
Autumn/Winter Wall Art
If you're not ready to say goodbye to summer, then my Window into the Caribbean art prints and greeting cards may help to keep you in summer mode ☀️ Each print has an illustration of something that each island is known for.
Caribbean Taste of the Month
Borough 22 Taste of Grenada Doughnuts
This month’s Caribbean Taste of the Month is a sweet treat for Black History Month.
Inspired by his children and his Grenadian heritage, Borough 22 founder Ryan Panchoo brings together cocoa, nutmeg and mango in a delicious nod to Grenada, the Spice Isle.
Book a Raffia Embroidery Workshop in october
Join me for a Raffia Embroidery Workshop. You'll spend a few relaxed hours learning the raffia embroidery technique I developed whilst creating my graduate collection, inspired by my Caribbean heritage and the Windrush Generation. No experience is needed, just a willingness to try something new!
11 October:
Knit + Stitch (More info)
15 October:
Tatter Online (More info)
17 October:
Westminster Bridge Road (More info)
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last month, we told you about Marogmi's beautiful homeware, so if you're prepping for the winter months and want to spruce up your home, don't forget to check out Marogmi’s homeware which takes inspiration from the Caribbean, bringing island references, colour, and character into contemporary interiors.
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:
Gabu Chocolate
GABU Chocolate’s Gabriel’s Wharf shop may have closed, but you can still buy their handmade chocolates online.
Founded by chocolatier Lisette Davis, GABU uses ethically sourced cocoa, including cocoa from Grenada, to create its tempting treats. Browse the online shop for a little taste of the Caribbean, wherever you are.
Image from @gabu_chocolate
Roots Allotment
Scotch bonnet peppers are a staple in many of my favourite Caribbean dishes. Have you ever fancied growing your own here in the UK, alongside watermelons and other fruit and veg?
Head over to Roots Allotments to see how they’re doing just that!
Image from @rootsallotment
Anavé, Brixton
From Caribbean-inspired ice poles in flavours such as plantain, pumpkin, sorrel and ginger, and soursop and ginger, to Jamaican ginger bulla cake and flavoured sea moss, there’s plenty to discover at Anavé.
Explore the range at 112E Brixton Hill, London SW2 1AH.
More Things to look out for later in the year & beyond
60 Years of Carnival: A History of Steel Pan Pioneer, Jit Samaroo. The official WICFF Film festival continues with the untold story of Trinidadian pan legend Dr Jit Samaroo. Founder of the Samaroo Jets and the only arranger to win eight National Panorama Large Band titles with BP Renegades on 12 October. More info.
Kiln Theatre presents Nine Night by Natasha Gordon from 12 Nov - 19 Dec 2026. When Gloria passes, her family gathers for the traditional Jamaican Nine Night. And that means the whole family. As more and more mourners gather bringing rum and curry and complaints, tensions build, and the family must face some uncomfortable truths. More info.
Witness to History: Sir Trevor McDonald Live. Born in Trinidad, Trevor arrived in Britain in 1969 and became the first Black sole presenter of ITV's News at Ten, receiving more broadcasting awards than any of his peers. Join him live at various locations from 11 Feb 2027. More info.
The Crown Prince Of Reggae. In tribute to reggae legend Dennis Emanuel Brown CD, Bagga John and the Dennis Brown Family and Estate present the world premiere of The ‘Crown Prince of Reggae’ Musical. Written and directed by Anton Phillips, the production will tour the UK in February and March 2027. More info.
Sheffield Stories: Caribbean Footsteps exhibition celebrates the many ways that people of African Caribbean heritage have contributed to Sheffield life. Shaped by community co-curators, displays share inspiring stories of journeys, culture and heritage. Open now until 22 May 2027. 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.
Netball: Vitality Netball Horizon series - England v Jamaica. Following their 2nd place win at the Commonwealth Games recently, the Jamaica Sunshine Girls are back, along with the Jamaica Suns, the mens team! Netball fans can experience a huge weekend of international netball as the England Thorns and Vitality Roses take on Jamaica at Copper Box Arena on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November. More info
Witness to History: Sir Trevor McDonald Live
Born in Trinidad, Trevor arrived in Britain in 1969 and became the first Black sole presenter of ITV's News at Ten, receiving more broadcasting awards than any of his peers. Watch a short clip below with Sir Trevor McDonald explaining what bought him to Britain.
Join him live at various locations from 11 Feb 2027. More info.
Final Find: Beautiful Handwoven Baskets in Choiseul, Saint Lucia
Those of you who have been following my work will now how much I love Caribbean crafts, so I loved finding this video captured by Made in Micoud on YouTube. It shows the skill behind handcrafted baskets, created by talented local artisans using techniques passed down through generations.
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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