Events

August | September | October

West African Drumming Short Courses

Enjoyed our djembe pop-ups? If you fancy taking your learning further then why not sign up for a free short course – four classes with tutor Marcus at Ipswich Museum? Image credit: Katherine Mager.

24 August, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Stories for Wellbeing by Suffolk Mind

Stuck for ideas this holiday? Come and listen to some fantastic stories for free outside the doors of Christchurch Mansion! Discover dragons who breath fire, monkeys with hats and some scary lions! Who will be your favourite?

Free storytelling event for families on the lawn of Christchurch Mansion (immediately outside the mansion front door). Free drop in sessions running in the afternoon between 1.30pm and 3.30pm

24 & 26 August, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm

Art in the Park: Power of Stories

Rock Paper Scissors Arts Group bring their creative vibes to Christchurch Mansion! The team will inspire you to explore the Power of Stories exhibition through the medium of paper articulated creatures. 

26 & 27 August | 19 & 24 September, 11am – 5pm

West African Drumming Pop-ups

Join Wooden Roots, makers and suppliers of Djembe for the Marvel Studios’ Black Panther film, on the Christchurch Mansion lawn for a joyful drop-in drumming session. Recommended for ages 5+ (accompanied by a responsible adult). No experience needed. Image credit: Katherine Mager.

27 August, 11am – 2pm

Creative Workshop: The story of the black woman aesthetic

Cultural practitioner Del White leads a thoughtful and motivational study day and safe space for women and girls of African and Caribbean heritage at Christchurch Mansion, which includes a tour of the Power of Stories exhibition and explores African heritages through objects, art and conversation.

9 September, 6pm

In Conversation: The Power of Comics

Join Superfan Glen, 2020 Comic Laureate Hannah and Comics collector Matthew for a 60-minute discussion about the power of comics, followed by a Q&A. Ages 12+. Free, streaming on YouTube

10 September, 6:30pm

Movie Breakdown with the Investigator (online event)

Andrew Muhammad, aka The Investigator, leads this energetic exploration of the 2018 Hollywood blockbuster Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, discussing the science behind the production and costume design, historical and cultural symbolisms in the movie, and the feminine power and principles within the film.

Andrew is one of the UK’s leading motivational and Black History and Culture specialists, bringing history and culture to life to allow a deeper understanding and celebration of multicultural societies.

25 September, 11am – 1pm

Creative Workshop: The story of the black woman aesthetic

Cultural practitioner Del White leads a thoughtful and motivational study day at Christchurch Mansion, which includes a tour of the Power of Stories exhibition and explores African heritages through objects, art and conversation.

30 September, 7pm

Wooden Roots Celebration

Join Wooden Roots and musicians from the Balimaya Project as they bring the sounds and instruments played in the score for Marvel Studios’ black Panther to life in a one-of-a-kind evening performance.

2021

Art Eat Mural: Your Story, Your Power

A new mural on Ipswich Waterfront. Designed, developed and delivered in collaboration with Ghanian artist Edward Ofosu, Mexican artist Raul G. Loya and residents at HMP Hollesley Bay prison.

Online now

Denkyem Youth Podcast

Hosted by Jawanda and Lāna’i, Denkyem Youth is a youth social action group which is part of the Suffolk Black Community Forum.

Online now

Woodbridge Festival presents Noise of Art Q&A with Leee John on British black music.

Watch a replay of a livestream by Pioneering Brit soul and funk singer Leee John, filmed at The Riverside, Woodbridge

31 July – 27 August | Ipswich Cornhill

Black Suffolk

A photographic exhibition by John Ferguson on the Cornhill. The images creatively explore the concept of home for a diversity of people from the African-Caribbean community who have made Suffolk their home, or who were born here.

23 – 25 August

Zola | Ipswich Film Theatre

Zola (newcomer Taylour Paige), a Detroit waitress, strikes up a new friendship with a customer, Stefani (Riley Keough), who seduces her to join a weekend of dancing and partying in Florida. What at first seems like a glamorous trip full of “hoeism” rapidly transforms into a 48-hour journey involving a nameless pimp, an idiot boyfriend, some Tampa gangsters and other unexpected adventures in this wild, see-it-to-believe-it tale. A modern-day tale about the power of storytelling through social media.

2 September

Summer of Soul | Ipswich Film Theatre

Ipswich Film Theatre is screening this critically acclaimed documentary about the ‘Black Woodstock’ of 1969, which was ignored by the media at the time despite the line up of Steve Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, BB King and more. Watch the trailer.

4 September

Woodbridge Festival

With British music icon Jazzie B headlining, and local acts also on the line-up, the Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music is taking place on Saturday 4 September. Tickets are on sale now.

11 & 18 September | 9, 16 & 27 October | 11 November, 11am – 2pm

African Cooking Workshops

Learn how to cook amazing dishes from the African continent at Burlington Baptist Church Hall with Lara Uzokwe. Hosted by Karibu African Women’s Support Group.

25 September, 6pm

African Queens Throughout History talk

The talk taking place at The Hold in Ipswich is open to all members of the community, as it opens a doorway to understanding the rich history, culture and legacy of African people, by profiling the stories of key African queens as early as the 18th dynasty.

25 September | 4, 11, 18, 25 & 30 October 

Power of Stories – Free creative writing project

A FREE creative writing project for Black people aged 18+ in the East of England celebrating Black identity and joy. Workshops will take place in person and online this September and October and no experience is necessary. This is a chance to learn new skills, meet new people and use creativity to process and look forwards. The workshops will be led by playwright Juliet Gilkes Romero and writer and coach Rob Wright.

2 October, 1pm – 4pm

Yoruba Language Classes

Learn Yoruba, the culturally rich language widely spoken in Nigeria. Hosted by Karibu African Women’s Support Group at Burlington Baptist Church Hall

2 October, 10am – 4pm

Create Your Life Experience workshop

A workshop at the Hold for young people aged 11 to 16. Identify and unleash your genius so you can become the author and create the life you want to experience.