Black British Book Festival 2024 attracts biggest audience ever

This year’s Black British Book Festival saw the number of attendees rise by 20% year-on-year. 

The event, which took place at the Barbican Centre, London over the weekend, attracted 5,500 attendees, compared with 4,300 the previous year. 

The festival’s footfall has been growing steadily since its launch in 2021, growing by more than 500% in five years.

The latest event brought Black British authors, thought leaders and readers together to celebrate the power of Black British storytelling through workshops, keynotes and panels.  

Headliners included rapper and actress Eve, television presenter Charlene White, who was promoting her memoir No Place Like Home, and Labour politician Diane Abbott. 

Selina Brown, founder and chief executive officer of the Black British Book Festival, said: “I started this festival in 2021, and it keeps on demonstrating year after year how much Black books and Black authors are needed.” 

She added: “It’s incredible to see the growth and the energy each year, and to witness the talent from the Black British literary community. The electric atmosphere at the Barbican was a testament to our mission, and I am so proud to see our audience expand. I hope the publishing industry continues to support our mission, as there’s still so much to achieve. We can’t wait to bring that same spirit to Manchester next March.”  

For the third consecutive year, Pan Macmillan was the headline sponsor.  

Emma Bravo, communications director at Picador and partnerships at Pan Macmillan, said: “Being part of this festival is an absolute honour for Pan Macmillan. The talent on display and the festival’s ability to foster a genuine sense of community is remarkable. We are thrilled to support such an important platform that celebrates Black British voices and stories.”  

Karena Johnson, head of creative collaboration at the Barbican Centre, said: “It’s been a pleasure hosting the Black British Book Festival at the Barbican for the first time. The festival has brought incredible authors and thinkers together with communities here in the Centre, and we are proud to support such an important cultural event.”  

On 29th March 2025, the Black British Book Festival will return to Manchester Central Library. 

Festival organisers have also announced the first Children’s Festival will take place in Birmingham in March 2025 to celebrate World Book Day.