Now - 18 Nov
THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON AND THE ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT
Exhibition commemorating the Bicentenary which includes extraordinary portraits of Norfolk based Thomas Fowell Buxton, who was instrumental in the fight for the abolition of slavery, and anti-slavery campaigner Amelia Opie. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3JU. Adm: £3.25-£6.50. Info: 01603 493625 / www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Mon 1 Oct
LAUNCH OF THE HIDDEN HERITAGE EXHIBITION
An opportunity to learn about Norfolk’s exciting Black and Minority Ethnic history from original documents, this launch celebrates an exhibition created by the Hidden Heritage project, looking at the transatlantic slave trade. With food, drama about the slave trade and African music from Grass Roots. Disabled access. Venue: Norfolk Record Office, The Archive Centre, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH. 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 224149 / www.nnrec.org.uk

Mon 1 Oct - 3 Nov
AN ARTIST’S REFLECTION ON BLACK HISTORY
Painting commissioned by NEAD for the publicity for BHM 2006 from the artist Gloria Ojulari Sule, who grew up in Norfolk. Disabled access. Venue: Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RE. Adm: Free. Info: 01263 822347/ www.gloarts.co.uk

Tues 2 Oct - 9 Dec
ALIEN NATION
Alien Nation explores ideas about racial difference and racial stereo-typing through the language of sci-fi. Features the works of Black American artists Kori Newkirk and Eric Wesley, and African artist, Yinka Shonibare. Disabled access. Venue: Upper Gallery, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. Adm: £1- £5. Info: 01603 593199/ www.scva.ac.uk

Wed 3 Oct
ACE DANCE AND MUSIC PRESENTS SKIN
A powerful double bill from the multi-cultural ACE which features six dancers drawing on African, Caribbean, European and Japanese dance styles over an original sound score. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Playhouse, 42 - 58 St. George's Street, Norwich NR3 1AB. 8pm. Adm: £6-£1. Info: 01603 598598/ www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

Tues 2 Oct
THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON AND THE ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT
Join Giorgia Bottinelli, Exhibition Curator for an overview of the exhibition which commemorates the British Government’s abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Market Avenue, Norwich NR1 3JQ.12.30-1pm. Adm: £1. Info: 01603 493625.

Thurs 4 Oct
LUNCHTIME TALKS
During the autumn season enjoy fortnightly bite-sized lunchtime talks celebrating Black History Month and talks giving you extra insight into the special exhibitions. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ.1.15pm-1.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 593199.

Thurs 4- 31 Oct
STRANGE FRUIT
An exhibition of images and text arising from a project that raised awareness and understanding about the history and cultural impact of the slave trade and contemporary issues around slavery amongst young people in Norfolk. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG. Adm: Free. Info: 01953 713 390.

Thurs 4, 5, 9 & 10 Oct
CHINWE CHUCKWUOGO-ROY
Chuckwuogo-Roy will be creating new work inspired by African masks in the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection. Drop in to the studio to meet Chinwe and watch her work. All welcome. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 593199/ www.scva.ac.uk

Thurs 4 Oct
STRANGE FRUIT: PERFORMANCE
An evening of performances stemming from Creative Arts East’s Abolition project. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG. 5.30-7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01953 713390/ www.creativeartseast.co.uk

Thurs 4 Oct
NEAD A.G.M: GUEST SPEAKER BENNY WENDA
NEAD’s Annual General Meeting explores how one can make a difference. Guest speaker Benny Wenda is in exile in the UK having been arrested and tortured for his peaceful campaigning for freedom for his people. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Central Baptist Church Hall, Duke Street, Norwich. 7pm-9.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 610993/ www.nead.org.uk

Fri 5 Oct
REBEL LION FEATURING AFRIKAN SIMBA
Rebel Lion, Norwich's raw roots reggae sound bring to you for BHM one of the UK's biggest singing talents - Afrikan Simba. Disabled access. Venue: The Mustard Lounge, Imagine, All Saint's Green, Norwich NR1 3NA. 10pm-3am. Adm: £4-£5. Info: 07891 782971.

Sat 6 Oct
SATURDAY STUDIO - MAKING MONOTYPES
Learn to create expressive monotypes with Chinwe Chuckwuogo-Roy. Look at examples of how and why masks were made and used, and the feelings they evoke. Monotype is a special technique where a print is taken from a painted surface. Suitable for adults and young people. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 10.30am-4.30pm. Adm: £14-£20. Info: 01603 593199.

Sat 6 Oct
AFRICAN MARKET
The Open Trade Network’s popular African Market moves to Great Yarmouth for the day offering tempting displays of African craft, goods, beers, food, hair products and much more. Disabled access. Venue: Great Yarmouth Market Place. 9am-4.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 07886 116250.

Sat 6 Oct
CASABLANCA TO CAIRO - NORTH AFRICA IN A NUTSHELL
Come along and savour the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of North Africa. Fun for all the family with an Egyptian dance workshop, competitions, activities, word-searches and colouring. Free refreshments included. Disabled access. Venue: Tuckswood Library, Robin Hood Road, Norwich, NR4 6BX. 2-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 452038/ tuckswood.lib@norfolk.gov.uk. Also on Sun 7 Oct at Hellesdon Library, Woodview Road Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5SR. 2-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 427790.

Sat 6 Oct
ZIMFEST: GRASSROOTS & FRIENDS
An evening celebrating traditional and modern Zimbabwean music. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 8pm. Adm: £7, conc £5. Info: 01603 660352/ www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Sun 7 Oct
T-SHIRT PRINTING
Bring and print your own cool t-shirt (preferably white or a light colour) with African mask designs. For children under 12 years, but those under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 1-4pm. Adm: £3 per child. Info: 01603 593199/ www.scva.ac.uk

Sun 7 Oct
ACTIVITIES – SAFARI SUNDAY
Family event, with children's activities, African stories and free refreshments. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Disabled access. Venue: Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich. 10.30am-4.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 774774/ millennium.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

Wed 10 Oct
ACTIVITIES – ART WORKSHOP - THEMES OF AFRICA
A fun family workshop led by artist Peter Sek. Open to families (children 8+). No previous experience needed. Booking essential. Disabled access. Venue: Aylsham Library, 7 Hungate Street, Aylsham, NR11 6AA. 4-6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01263 732320 / aylsham.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

Wed 10 Oct
PUBLIC LECTURE – SLAVERY AND ITS LEGACIES
The first of a series of four public lectures on the history and legacy of slavery by Dr Richard Maguire addressing the links between Norfolk and slavery. Disabled access. Venue: Elizabeth Fry Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ UK. 6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 224149/ www.nnrec.org.uk

Thurs 11 Oct
LEMN SISSAY
Writer, actor, playwright, poet and presenter, Lemn Sissay inspires and entertains with a selection of readings. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG. 8pm. Adm: £6-£8. Info: 01603 660352/ www.norwichartscentre.co.uk and www.lemnsissay.com

Fri12 Oct
NORWELL LAPLEY PRESENTS RUBY TURNER
Following her last sell-out appearance, Ruby returns to the Playhouse with a new set and new material as well as songs from her latest album, ‘So Amazing’ and some old favourites. Disabled access. Venue: Norwich Playhouse, 42 - 58 St. George's Street, Norwich,NR3 1AB. 8pm. Adm: £12-£15. Info: 01603 598598/ www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

Fri 12 & 13 Oct
ENGAGE THEATRE COMPANY & KENYA PERFORMING ARTS GROUP
A double-bill of theatre and dance exploring issues of Identity to coincide with BHM. Using dance, drama, story-telling and physical theatre, KPAG and Engage are this summer devising pieces of theatre in their respective countries. Disabled access. Venue: TBC Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Adm: £tbc. Info: 01493 846550/ www.seachangearts.org.uk

Sat 13 Oct
CAPOEIRA WORKSHOP
Learn this unique form of recreation accompanied by the rhythm and fusion of musical instruments. Capoeira uses creative dance movements that resemble African dance, kung-fu and break-dance. For people of all ages. Venue: Priory Centre, Priory Plain Great Yarmouth NR30 1NW. 9.30am-12.30pm. Adm: £1.50. Info: 01493 851598 / 07876 193406/ www.learncapoeirauk.co.uk

Sat 13 Oct
THE BIG DRAW
Mixing Records and Drawings. Listen to live vinyl mixing and maybe have a go at creating a huge collaborative drawing in response to what you hear. Peter Sek is a Ugandan artist who paints indifferent media and creates sculpture using reclaimed materials. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 11am-5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 593199/ www.myspace.com/phywandarecords

Sat 13 Oct
HIDDEN FAMILIES
With help from professional genealogists this activity provides a chance to learn about the most effective ways of researching your family history both within Norfolk and elsewhere. Disabled access. Venue: Norfolk Records Office, The Archive Centre, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DQ. 1.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 222599/ www.archives@norfolk.gov.uk

Sat 13 Oct
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Featuring the beautiful lullaby Summertime from Gershwin’s hit opera Porgy and Bess which focuses on African-American life in South Carolina in the 1930’s. Plus selected Spirituals such as Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Disabled access. Venue: The Hippodrome, St. Georges Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 2EU. 7-9pm. Adm: £various. Info: 01493 846550/ 01493 844172/ www.seachangearts.org.uk

Mon 15 Oct
STEPHEN K AMOS IN ‘MORE OF ME’
Stephen is on his first ever UK national tour with his unique brand of confessional, heart warming comedy. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG. 8.30pm. Info: 01603 660352/ www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Tues 16 Oct
PROMOTING BLACK HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE
An interesting opportunity for insight into the experiences of Black people in Norfolk. With a variety of activities such as Capoeira dancing, a short film about Hate Crime and demonstrations of African hair styles and African & Caribbean cuisine. Venue: Great Yarmouth College, Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth. 10am-2pm. Adm: £3. Info: 07876193406 / 01493 851598/ gyia1@btconnect.com

Tues 16 Oct
AMELIA OPIE AND HER COMMITMENT TO THE ANTI-SLAVERY CAMPAIGN
Amelia Opie specialist, Ann Farrant, discusses the role of Amelia Opie, Norwich poet, author and committed anti- slavery campaigner. Venue: Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery. 12.30pm-1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 493625 / www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Tues 16 Oct
BHM POSTCARD COMPETITION CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
Work with an experienced writer/facilitator to produce your own piece of writing in this drop-in workshop. Previous creative writing experience not necessary. Refreshments provided. Disabled access. Venue: Learning Resources Seminar Room, in the Learning Resource Centre, Norwich City College, Ipswich Road, Norwich NR2 2LJ. 12.30-2pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01953 713390.

Wed 17 Oct
SLAVERY AND ITS LEGACIES
In the second of four public lectures on the history and legacy of slavery, Dr Malcolm McLaughlin, a lecturer and author looks at race and labour, and the struggle for black equality. Disabled access. Venue: Elizabeth Fry Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ.6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 224149/ www.nnrec.org.uk

Thurs 18 Oct
SHOULD BRITAIN APOLOGISE FOR ITS PART IN THE SLAVE TRADE?
BHM debate with guest facilitator, Dr Richard Maguire, from the Norwich & Norfolk Racial Equality Council. Free refreshments provided. All welcome Disabled access. Venue: Learning Resources Seminar Room, in the Learning Resource Centre, City College Norwich, Ipswich Road, Norwich NR2 2LJ. 1-2pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 773458.

Thurs 18 Oct, 1, 125 & 29 Nov
LUNCHTIME TALK
The second in a series of bite sized lunchtime talks celebrating BHT. Disabled access. Venue: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. 1.15pm-1.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01603 593199.

Fri 19 Oct
NORFOLK AND SLAVERY
A public lecture by Dr Richard Maguire, historian with the Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council’s Hidden Heritage Project who discusses the links between Norfolk and slavery. Disabled access. Venue: Watton Library, George Trollope Road, Watton, Norfolk IP25 6AS. 2-2.30pm. Adm: Free Info: 01953 881671/ watton.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

Fri 19 Oct
PERFORMANCE 2 PRESENT UNION
Performance 2’s new show "Union" is a mix of African-Brazilian Capoiera and African-Cuban Orisa dance that brings fresh, exciting and challenging African dance to new audiences. Venue: The Garage Theatre, Chapelfield North, Norwich. 7.30pm. Adm: £5.50-£7.50. Info: 01603 660352/ boxoffice@norwichartscentre.co.uk

Sat 20 Oct
AFRICAN WORKSHOP
Led by a team of highly trained African artists, and practitioners, the activities offer a chance to explore Black history through storytelling, dance, music and drumming. All ages. Disabled access. Venue: Priory Centre, Priory Plain Great Yarmouth NR30 1NW. 9am-12pm & 1pm-4.30pm. Adm: £3. Info: 01493 851598.

Mon 22 Oct
INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN CULTURE TO CARIBBEAN
Informative workshop including dance, drumming and storytelling. Learn about the link between Andinkra symbol and the history of the ancient Ashanti nation of Ghana. Venue: Lichfield community centre, Suffolk Rd, Gt Yarmouth. 10am-4pm. Adm: £3. Info: 07876 193 406.

Fri 26 Oct
IN SEARCH OF HARRIET MARTINEAU
Abolitionist, Feminist, Traveller, Radical: An overview of the life of the 19th century slavery abolitionist and writer Harriet Martineau. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4PG. 2pm. Adm: £2. Info: 01603 660 352.

Sun 28 Oct
FINALE
Yarmouth international association invites you to share with them a lively, entertaining and informative family evening. Performance, dancing, guest speaker, African-Caribbean cuisine. Venue: Atlantic Arena, Marine Parade, Gt Yarmouth. 4pm-110m. Adm; £3. Info: 07876 193 406.

NOVEMBER

Sat 3 Nov
SOWETO KINCH
Norfolk’s BHM Finale features Mercury and MOBO award winning jazz / hip hop star Soweto Kinch with support from local and national artists and performers. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4PG. 8pm. Adm: £5 adv, £6 door, conc £4. Info: 01603 660 352.

Thurs 22 Nov
BASSEKOU KOUYATE & NGONI BA
One of the greatest masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa. With Ngoni ba they are Mali's first ngoni quartet. This group is fresh, funky and as close the to the blues you can get in Africa. Venue: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4PG. 8.30pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 01603 660 352.