Leeds Black Music Festival turns 40 this year, and on Saturday 3 October Leeds Playhouse is marking it with Roots to Rhythm: 40 Years of Black Music Festival, an evening of stories, history and live music in the Bramall Rock Void.
Leeds poet and writer Khadijah Ibrahiim hosts a panel with former organisers and contributors DJ Fluid Irie, Paulette Morris and Tashi Brown, who will share memories and behind-the-scenes stories from the festival and talk about where it goes next. Singer Hayley Lloyd performs reggae covers.
Alongside the evening, a free timeline exhibition on the Playhouse’s Level 2 (Bar/Kitchen) traces four decades of the festival and the people and moments behind it. It is curated by local historian Danny Friar, with design by alineD Graphics.
The event is presented by Black Health Initiative, a community engagement organisation working for equal access to health and social care in Leeds. The panel evening runs for 90 minutes, is pay what you can and is recommended for ages 14 and over. Book on 0113 213 7700 or at leedsplayhouse.org.uk.
