Lowestoft Town Council is proud to announce its plans for Black History Month 2026, with a programme designed to celebrate, support and showcase the diverse communities that make our town such a vibrant place to live.
This year’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities”, recognises the individuals, groups and organisations that bring people together, share culture, promote understanding and make a positive difference across Lowestoft.
As part of the 2026 programme, the Town Council is introducing a new Small Community Events Grant Scheme, alongside the return of its popular Creative Writing and Visual Arts Competitions for young people.
For the first time, Lowestoft Town Council is offering Small Community Events Grants of up to £200 to support local organisations and charities wishing to hold an event to mark Black History Month.
The funding aims to encourage grassroots celebrations, educational activities and community gatherings that reflect the spirit of the month’s theme and help people come together to share stories, experiences and culture.
Whether you are planning a workshop, exhibition, community discussion, performance, cultural celebration or another activity linked to Black History Month, we would love to hear from you.
Lowestoft-based organisations and charities can request an application form by emailing:
admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk
Application deadline: Friday 25 September
Grant awards announced: Monday 28 September
By supporting locally-led activities, the Town Council hopes to enable a wide range of events that reflect the interests, creativity and diversity of communities across the town.
Young people will once again be encouraged to explore this year’s theme through the Town Council’s Creative Writing and Visual Arts Competitions.
Open to children and young people from Nursery age through to Sixth Form, the competitions provide an opportunity to celebrate Black History Month through imagination, storytelling and artistic expression.
Entries can take many forms, from poems and short stories to paintings, sculpture, collage and graphic design.
Prizes will be awarded across a range of age categories.
Competition entry deadline: Friday 23 October
Further information, competition categories and submission details can be found via the competition section of our website.
Black History Month offers an opportunity to recognise the achievements, stories and contributions of Black communities, past and present, while encouraging conversations about history, culture, identity and belonging.
Through this year’s programme, Lowestoft Town Council hopes to support community-led celebrations, encourage creative expression and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn, reflect and connect.
Whether you are an organisation looking to host an event, a teacher inspiring your pupils, a youth group supporting young people, or a resident wanting to get involved, there are opportunities for everyone to take part in Black History Month 2026: Honouring Our Communities.
