Factory International marks Black History Month with music, poetry and comedy at Aviva Studios

Factory International is set to bring Manchester’s biggest celebration of Black artistry to Aviva Studios this October, with a packed programme of performances, workshops and free events showcasing talent from across the region and beyond.

The line-up spans music, theatre, poetry, fashion and cabaret, with highlights including the Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase, 3 October, which returns as a black-tie celebration of Black innovation in art, fashion and live performance. Founded by Cultureville, the event was created to challenge underrepresentation in the creative industries and is billed as one of the most significant nights of the city’s cultural calendar.

Electronic duo Space Afrika will team up with filmmaker Valentin Noujaim and the Manchester Camerata for the UK premiere of Opera Omnia, 5 October, a haunting new film and live score telling the surreal story of two Black teenagers navigating Manchester at night. Later in the month, acclaimed musician and trans elder Beverly Glenn-Copeland will perform alongside his long-time artistic collaborator and partner Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, joined by the 70-strong queer-led F*Choir, 19 October.

Other listings include:

• Big Soul Living Room Chats (1–12 Oct) – free drop-in discussions on belonging and identity led by Manchester artist Yusra Warsama.

• Mancunian Pan Africanist (4 Oct) – poetry inspired by Pan-Africanism, curated by Stefanie Reynolds.

• AMC Gospel Choir (4 Oct) – joyful live gospel in the Aviva Studios Social.

• Carnival: The Art of Rebellion (5 Oct) – a full-day celebration of Caribbean Carnival culture with talks, costume-making and parades led by Roy Alexander Weise MBE.

• SuAndi: Leaning Against Time (15 Oct) – the Carcanet Press launch of the poet’s new collection.

• Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School (22 Oct) – a discussion with Keisha Thompson and Dermot Daly on challenges facing Black British actors.

• The Alternative Black Cabaret Showcase (25 Oct) – a satirical cabaret night with headline comic Josephine Lacey.

• Half-term Family Drop-ins (28–30 Oct) – free children’s workshops inspired by Black icons.

• Breaking Barz (30 Oct) – live performances celebrating the legacy of Manchester boxing champion Len Johnson, headlined by singer Misha B.

The programme blends established names with local voices, aiming to showcase Black creativity while inviting Mancunians of all ages to take part. Many events are free or low-cost, with details available on the Factory International website.