Photography by Adam Docker.
SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Come and join us for an unforgettable celebration of art, poetry, music, and more, as we honour the life and legacy of the late Benjamin Zephaniah — a true icon of the arts and activism.
This vibrant festival coincides with his birthday weekend, marking the Inaugural Benjamin Zephaniah Day, and we’ve got an incredible line-up of events planned for you!
Stage Takeovers by Black Writers Guild, WritersMosaic & Apples and Snakes
Speakers’ Corner – Share your own talents with the crowd
Creative Workshops for adults and children, Exhibitions, and Film Screenings
Global Performances from poets, musicians, and artists Contributions from the Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature
A performance from Fire Choir
Tai Chi Demonstration by Clive Spring - Black Dragon School of Martial Arts
Vegan Food Stalls available throughout the day!
This is Book Love will be selling in attendance with publications from the performers on sale as well as two new Benjamin Zephaniah publications
Sandra A. Agard is a professional storyteller, author, poet, playwright, literature consultant and cultural historian.
Callum is extremely passionate about autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people. His own journey has been very difficult, but he has had poetry and spoken word as his saviour.
Julianne is a Filipino writer, spoken word artist and musician from London. She uses instrumentals and poetry to further explore her own in her work.
Kadija George Sesay is a literary activist and founder of the ‘International Black Speculative Writing Festival’, and the ‘AfriPoeTree’ app.
Charnjit’s work has been published in 12 poetry journals. She was one of winners of the Art Fund Prize 2023 where her poem ‘Triggered’ was displayed on billboards throughout the UK.
Jayce is a 6-year-old highly gifted and talented British author who began showcasing his literary skills at a very young age. He promotes diversity and inclusion in storytelling.
Nomadic Libaax, which translate to Wondering Lion is a British Somali Rhythmic Assisted Poet, who uses the mediums of rhythm & rhyme to create cinematic experiences.
Scottish born poet David McDonald lives in South London. He passionately believes in the power of spoken work as a tool for social change and liberation.
Sana is a British Iranian poet, translator and art historian based in London. Her writing includes a novel, short stories, and poetry collections Departure and O Delilah.
Laurie born to Caribbean expats and was raised in High Wycombe by her West Indian village. She has been writing poetry for over thirty years, with self-reflection as a recurring theme.
Derek is an award-winning writer and poet from North London. His first novel, That Reminds Me, was the first work of fiction to be published by Stormzy’s Merky Books imprint.
Nii Ayikwei Parkes is a renowned writer, winner of international awards and a laureate of Ghana's national ACRAG award, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Nicole‘s work shines a light on life’s triumphs & struggles, inviting you to embrace authenticity & find strength in faith.
Our official event page
Professor Benjamin Zephaniah, Brunel Professor of Creative Writing
For more information about Benjamin and his legacy
To be announced
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