A lot of people don’t know why we celebrate Black History Month, or why it is in October in the U.K. and February in the US. Here’s a quick Black history — and why it means something special in Brixton.
In 1926, U.S. historian Dr Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week to highlight Black achievements ignored by mainstream education. He chose February to mark the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two symbols of emancipation and change. In the 70s, during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, it grew into a month-long national celebration.
In 1987, Ghanaian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo brought the idea to Britain while working at the Greater London Council. He launched the first U.K. Black History Month in London, choosing October to align with African harvest festivals and the start of the school year — a moment for reflection and renewal.
For Brixton, the month carries a deeper resonance. This is where the Windrush generation first settled, where the 1981 Uprising reshaped British race relations, and where the Black Cultural Archives, Brixton Village, and Brixton House now anchor a living legacy. Every October, our streets become classrooms, galleries, and stages — not just to remember, but to remind.
What’s On in Brixton- Thu 16 → Wed 22 Oct 2025
🎶 Music & Nightlife
Thu, 16 Oct – Goodbye, Magda, Garden Slug @ Windmill
7:45 PM | Windmill Brixton
A three‑band bill of DIY guitars, close‑quarters singalongs and that Windmill “find‑it‑first” energy under the pub’s slanted roof. Arrive early, grab a Red Stripe, and you’ll be talking about at least one new favourite by the end of the night.
🎟️ Tickets @windmillbrixton
Fri, 17 Oct – Feel Good Fridays: T2T @ Effra Social
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Effra Social
Multi‑genre blends, Y2K edits and hip‑hop bangers in a classic Brixton dance hall. Free‑wheeling floor, friendly crowd, late pints—come for one tune, stay for three hours. 🎟️ Tickets
Sat, 18 Oct – Brixton Got Soul @ The Blues Kitchen
9:00 PM | The Blues Kitchen Brixton
Motown to neo‑soul with a live band and DJs till late. Sing the hooks, two‑step by the bar, and let the horns carry you into Sunday. 🎟️ Tickets
Sat, 18 Oct – Cistern @Windmill
8:00 PM | Windmill Brixton
Low‑lit stage, loud amps, new names—pure Windmill. Post‑punk edges meet noisy pop; the kind of bill you brag about later. 🎟️ Tickets
🎨 Art & Heritage
Sat, 11 Oct – Fri, 7 Nov – Made From Home @ Photofusion
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Photofusion (International House)
A fresh, intimate exhibition exploring domestic space, self‑portraiture and the ways we build belonging. Smart curation, emerging voices, and a gallery team that champions South London talent. Free entry; donations welcome.
🎟️ Visit / Info @photofusionuk
Tue–Wed, 21–22 Oct – UPRISING: Search Party with Inua Ellams @ Brixton House
7:30 PM | Brixton House
You throw the words; he raids the archive. Ellams’ audience‑led poetry show is unpredictable, funny and piercing—part performance, part jam session with language.
🎟️ Book
Wed, 22 Oct – Desperate: A Beverly Hills Manny @ Effra Social (Lambeth Fringe)
7:00 PM | Effra Social (Churchill Room)
A one‑person rollercoaster: stand‑up meets storytelling as Esmond Fountain charts hustle, identity and the jobs you ghost along the way. Smart, sharp, cathartic.
🎟️ Tickets @lambethfringe
Thu, 23 Oct – The Saying and the Said (Katy Binks & Lucy Spanyol) @ Studio 73
6:00 PM | Studio 73, Railway Arch 18, Valentia Place, SW9 8PJ
A new two‑artist show brings Katy Binks’ graphic rhythm and Lucy Spanyol’s playful figuration into Studio 73’s railway‑arch space. The gallery—born in Brixton Village in 2010—keeps championing artists who stand tall in London’s contemporary scene, with Brixton as their playground. Free entry; preview from 6pm, works on view through early November. 🎟️ Event details @studio73art
🧩 Everything Else (community, food, workshops, markets, talks)
Fri, 17 Oct – Reggae Bingo @ Brixton Jamm
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Brixton Jamm
Comedy host, dance‑offs, “reggae‑oke,” and cash‑prize chaos. It’s bingo—but Brixton. Grab a table crew and bring loud energy.
🎟️ Tickets @brixtonjamm
✨ Sat, 18 Oct – My Mother‑in‑Law’s Dresses (Windrush remembrance) @ Brixton Library
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Brixton Library (SW2)
A scent‑and‑story workshop led by Sonia Winifred, exploring memory, migration and dress through the life of Windrush pioneer “Girleyvine.” Bring photos, heirlooms and stories from your own family. Free—book ahead.
🎟️ Free Booking @lambeth_libraries
✨ Fri, 17 Oct – Gong Bath Fundraiser: Sound Healing & Meditation @ Effra Space
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Effra Space (21 Effra Parade, SW2 1PX)
An immersive sound journey with gongs, singing bowls and autoharps led by Bex. Guided meditation and visualisation help you settle; vibrations do the rest. Suitable for first‑timers and seasoned meditators. Booking essential; funds support Brixton Buddhist Community. Step‑free access and accessible toilets at the venue.
🎟️ Book tickets @brixton_buddhist_community
Stop working from home, work from Brixton's most loved coworking. £150/m. Business address @ £12.50/m and Private office @ £400/person @ Impact Brixton.
TheBccList Film & Theatre Guide (Thu 16 → Wed 22 Oct)
🍿 Now Playing at The Ritzy
I Swear
A moving true-life biopic about Scottish Tourette’s advocate John Davidson. Kirk Jones keeps the story grounded and funny without sanding off the edges; Robert Aramayo leads with quiet force. If you want something humane, hopeful, and well-acted, start here. 🧪 Rotten Tomatoes: 96% • IMDb: 8.6/10 🎟️ Book at The Ritzy
One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson’s big-screen romp folds politics, parenthood and paranoia into a propulsive rescue quest. DiCaprio is scrappy and funny; the set pieces sing. For cinephiles who want scale and bite, this is your premium night out.
🧪 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% • IMDb: 8.3/10 🎞️ Watch the trailer 🎟️ Book at The Ritzy
Urchin
Actor Harris Dickinson debuts as writer‑director with a London-set drama following a man rebuilding life after prison. It’s raw, intimate, and frequently witty; Frank Dillane keeps you leaning in. Strong critics’ nods make this the discerning pick.
🧪 Rotten Tomatoes: 96% • IMDb: 6.9/10 🎟️ Book at The Ritzy
Brixton Discounts
Supercute Taproom and Brewhouse - Free beers this weekend for all Bcc readers and 20% off all drinks after (September promo).
Nuvola Pizza - Half-price pizza deal on Tuesdays at Nuvolapizza in Market Row, Brixton. Nuvolapizza is offering 50% off all pizzas on Tuesday.
Full Moon Designs - up to 50% Online sale and instore discounts on jewellery and homeware in August.
Want to sponsor us and get in front of 17000+ Brixton locals? Get in touch.
Until next Thursday, 11.11am
The BCC list