Black History Month 2025
Celebrating Culture, Connection and Community Across Ashford and wider Kent.
Throughout October 2025, Black Core Kent brought together communities, artists, businesses, local organisations and dignitaries through a month-long programme celebrating Black history, culture and achievement across Ashford and the surrounding areas.
Delivered in partnership with venues and organisations across Kent and supported by Ashford Designer Outlet, the programme created opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together through food, film, music, conversation and shared cultural experiences.
Opening Black History Month Through Film, Food and Conversation
The programme was launched with a special screening of Summer of Soul at The Ashford Cinema, welcoming more than 150 guests from Ashford, Folkestone, Hythe and the wider Kent community.
Before the screening, guests gathered for an evening reception featuring the cinema's first-ever kitchen takeover by Kent-based caterer FFF Coastal. The menu was inspired by both West African and Caribbean cuisine, reflecting the flavourful heritage of the diaspora communities in the U.K.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from The Worshipful the Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Lyn Suddards, followed by a keynote address from The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover. Guests also enjoyed a live performance by Folkestone-based Gumboots Reggae Band, setting the tone for a month dedicated to celebration, learning and connection.
Creating Space for Culture and Community
Throughout October, Black Core Kent partnered with venues across Ashford to deliver its diverse programme of events that celebrated Black culture and created opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.
Highlights included Taste of Heritage, a supper club at Table in the Stable attended by 40 guests, alongside live music performances at The New Fox Inn and The Fat Ox Inn, welcoming more than 120 attendees combined.
Each event was designed not only to celebrate Black history and culture, but also to encourage conversation, strengthen relationships and create opportunities for greater cultural understanding across the wider community.
Supporting Local Businesses
Black History Month also provided opportunities to support local businesses through the Black Market Stalls at Coachworks Ashford.
The event welcomed five Black-owned businesses and attracted 100- 120 visitors and shoppers, creating opportunities for increased visibility, new customer connections and revenue growth.
The market reflected Black Core Kent's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and creating pathways for local businesses to reach wider audiences.
Building Lasting Connections
At its heart, Black Core’s Black History Month 2025 programme was about bringing people together.
Across film screenings, musical performances, dining experiences and community events, hundreds of people participated in a programme that celebrated culture, amplified local voices and created opportunities for meaningful connection.
The programme was made possible through the support of Ashford Designer Outlet and the collaboration of venue partners including The Ashford Cinema, Table in the Stable, The New Fox Inn, The Fat Ox Inn and Coachworks Ashford, alongside community partners, artists, businesses and volunteers who helped bring the month to life.
As Black Core Kent continues to grow, Black History Month remains an important part of its mission to celebrate culture, strengthen community and create opportunities across Kent.
Visit our 2026 Black History Month events page for our 2026 programme. Learn more
