At Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, we are committed to creating a programme that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, celebrating a wide range of voices, stories and lived experiences.
This Black History Month, we are proud to present a vibrant, interactive programme to celebrate this years theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’. Alongside three inspiring productions, audiences can enjoy a range of wraparound events on Sun 11 Oct, 10am – 2pm, designed to spark conversation, encourage connection and deepen cultural understanding.
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the stories that enrich our stage, our city and our shared future.
All details of the events taking place as part of Black History Month can be found below.
Listen to our Black History Month Playlist below:
Then & Now - Disco In Wolverhampton
Then & Now – Disco In Wolverhampton is a celebration of Wolverhampton, its people, and the stories that live on across generations.
Explore a photographic exhibition revisiting Chris Steele-Perkins’ iconic 1978 photograph Disco in Wolverhampton, reconnecting the young dancers captured in the original image and photographing them today, almost 50 years later, through the lens of Johnathan Williams.
Also on display is a print of Blues Dance, an artwork inspired by the central dancer in the photograph, by Claudette Johnson MBE. A founding member of the Black British Arts Movement, Claudette Johnson is deeply connected to the Wolverhampton through her studies at the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Art.
Experience Then & Now – Disco In Wolverhampton At Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 4 – 31 October, whenever the theatre is open for performances.
Join us on Sunday 4 October for the launch featuring a performance from Macka B.
None performance opening times are TBC.
Then & Now – Disco In Wolverhampton a photographic exhibition by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Photography by Jonathan Williams and Chris Steele Perkins
Art by Claudette Johnson
Curated by Tonia Daley Campbell and Scott Bird
With thanks to Magnum Photos and V&A East
Workshops - Sunday 11 October
Journey: The Puppet Show Workshop
Time | 10am – 11am
Join us for a fun, interactive Black British Puppet Show workshop! Meet a puppet from the show, take part in playful drama games and explore the creative work of Little Crowns CIC through storytelling, imagination and performance.
Reggae Fitness with Yes Fitness by Devine
Time | 11am – 12pm
Reggae Fit with Devine -‘where you bring all that whine and everything fine’ Reggae classics, soca, and chart classics.
You’re encouraged to have fun and feel the beat. Reggae Fit will have you feeling exhilarated and confident. All you need is enthusiasm and a drink.
Impact Steel Pan Workshop
Time | 12.15pm – 1.15pm
Fill the iconic Wolverhampton Grand Theatre stage with the vibrant rhythms of the steel pan this Black History Month!
Join national and international Panorama-winning artist Fareed Siddiqui for a high-energy, hands-on steel pan workshop.
Get behind the pan, learn the basics and play the very first tune ever played on steel pans!
An unforgettable, fun-filled experience for the whole family!
Tote Bag workshop with Custom Junkie
Time | 10am – 2pm
Hi, I’m Lucy from Custom Junkie!
I run creative art workshops where we customise clothing and accessories and I’m so excited to be working alongside Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for Black History Month.Together, we’ll be creating our very own Black history month tote bags, combining creativity, self-expression and celebration!
I can’t wait to get creative with you all!
Please note this a drop in session between 10am and 2pm, and waiting maybe required at busy times.
Feed My Creative Workshop
Time | 10am – 2pm
Janet Douglas is a Birmingham-based textile artist, designer and creative practitioner, and founder of award-winning social enterprise Feed My Creative CIC. Her practice combines textiles, reclaimed materials, storytelling and creative technology to explore identity, memory, lived experience and giving people a voice.
Postcards to the FutureWhat would you say if you could send a message through time?
In this creative textile workshop, participants will create their own fabric postcard inspired by Black History Month. Through drawing, writing, collage and embroidery, they can explore what we remember, what we celebrate and what we want to pass on.
Each postcard will become part of one large collective textile artwork, which Janet will stitch together after the workshop to create Postcards to the Future, a shared collection of messages, memories and hopes for the future.
Please note this a drop in session between 10am and 2pm, and waiting maybe required at busy times.
The Power Of Our Hair - Braiding Workshop
Time | 10am – 2pm
Celebrate Our Communities with The power of our hair, braiding workshop.
Join us for a welcoming, family-led hair braiding workshop where children and their families can learn, share and connect. Explore simple braiding techniques, build confidence in caring for textured hair, and celebrate the stories and traditions woven into every style.
- Learn beginner-friendly braiding skills
- Discover practical tips for caring for Black and textured hair
- Enjoy creative, hands-on time as a family
- Share knowledge in a relaxed and supportive space
No previous braiding experience is needed. Families of all backgrounds are welcome. Spaces are limited, so book early and come ready to learn, create and celebrate together.
The Power Of Our Hair - Panel Discussion
Time | 1.30PM – 2.15PM
An empowering panel discussion exploring Black hair, identity, history, and progress
Join us for The Power of Our Hair—an empowering conversation about Black hair, culture, and identity with Kameese Davis, founder and CEO of Nylah’s Hair and former Dragons’ Den participant, and Natalie Scarlett, award-winning social entrepreneur, social justice advocate, digital influencer, and founder of BHSS. This is a space for honest conversation, shared experiences, and collective learning. Together, we will reflect on the history and impact of hair discrimination, celebrate the progress made, and explore where we go from here.
African Market Stall - Sunday 11 October
Please note the Market will be open from 10am until 2pm in our Foyer, you don’t need to book a ticket to attend.
All of the stalls are independent business and goods must be purchased. All stalls will be cash only.
Ionie Make Cakes
Ionie Make Cakes is a Wolverhampton-based artisan cake design business specialising in custom celebration cakes, delicious loaf cakes, and authentic Jamaican rum fruit cakes. Founded with a passion for baking and flavour, we love bringing the community together through sweet treats, celebratory bakes, and vibrant Caribbean flavours. Whether it is wedding tiers, birthday showstoppers, or traditional seasonal bakes, every creation is handmade with care.
Shea Coco
Shea Coco is a small, family-run business based in Birmingham, founded with a passion for natural skincare and a desire to share the remarkable benefits of high-quality, natural ingredients.
Our journey began with Shea Butter, an ingredient with a rich history and deep roots in African traditions of skincare and self-care. Inspired by its nourishing and moisturising properties, we developed our premium-grade Yellow Shea Body Butter alongside our beautifully whipped White Shea Body Butter.
Carefully crafted to create rich, smooth and authentic body butters, our products are designed to deeply nourish the skin and help lock in long-lasting moisture. Particularly beneficial for dry skin, they can also be enjoyed as an everyday moisturiser, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and well-nourished. Suitable for all skin types, our range reflects our commitment to natural skincare and quality ingredients.
At Shea Coco, we believe in the beauty of natural skincare and the importance of caring for your skin with pure, high-quality ingredients.
Shea Coco — Luxury moisture, powered by nature.
NC Stitches
NC Stitches is a handmade business creating beautiful dolls’ clothes, handbags, accessories, upholstered furniture and soft furnishings. Each piece is made with care, creativity and attention to detail, bringing a unique touch to everyday life and special occasions.
Creative Inspirations
Creative Inspirations is a stall which will sell a range of different products including:
- African materials
- African bags
- Children’s bags
- T-shirts
- Purses
- Earrings
Maryciyahs Artwork
Marci-Yah is an artist, who sells prints of her artwork, designs cultural occasion cards, annual calendars featuring her artwork as well as embellished tote bags.
Her commissioned work includes portraits, wall murals and book illustrations.
Nylahs hair
Nylah’s, a UK-based brand, is on a mission to help everyone embrace and be proud of their natural hair, particularly those affected by hair loss. As a central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) sufferer, Kameese Davis experienced firsthand the lack of representation for Black women in the hair loss space. Known for its scientifically proven, customised, all-natural, vegan products, Nylah’s has gained global recognition by blending innovation with nature. Under Kameese’s vision, the brand is set to reshape the industry with the first-ever holistic hair care line for Black hair
Rapringz
Rapringz was founded 25th January 2021 in honour of our late Dads memory by naming the company after himR- ReginaldA- AshburneP- Plummer
We are a unique jewellery accessories brand which started out as a key ring company, we have since added unique pieces for Men and Women from tie pins, cuff links, necklaces, rings including flaged items. We pride ourselves on providing good quality products at cost affective price.
Memory Café
This Black History Month, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre invites you to join us for a series of FREE Memory Café events celebrating music and community. Enjoy live performances, light refreshments and a welcoming, safe space to share memories and come together through the joy of music.
The cafés are a fantastic opportunity for those living with dementia to experience the magic of theatre with their loved ones or carers and to interact with people in a similar situation.
For more information or to book your free place, email access@grandtheatre.co.uk or call the team on 01902 57 33 20
Sophie Clayton - Motown and Reggae
Join the wonderful Sophie Clayton as she kicks off Black History Month and brings the best of Motown, Gospel and Soul to our Encore Lounge.
Thursday 1 October & Friday 2 October | 10am-12pm
Lovers Rock Memory Café
Lovers Rock Memory Café celebrates the soulful sounds of Wolverhampton’s own Carole Yvonne. From her early roots in church to performing alongside reggae greats, Carole brings nostalgic and uplifting Lovers Rock vibes to this special Memory Café event.
Thursday 8 October | 10am – 12pm