The event will act opportunity for visitors to discover the fusion of cultures from Africa, the Caribbean and Britain.

The Caribbean Social Forum (CSF) was started by members of the Windrush Generation who believe communication is key in leading healthier lives and combatting isolation through educational talks, dancing, music and more. For this occasion, CSF have collaborated with incredible artists, historians, and performers to curate a day of events and celebration that will bring the museum to life.

Activities are suitable for all ages will include workshops and performances coordinated by CSF, as well as tours and talks about famous figures from the past, allowing visitors to engage with African and Caribbean history in fascinating and hands-on ways. Additionally, there will be incredible performances as well as musical and dance workshops to enjoy and participate in.

Speakers on the day will include former superintendent in the Metropolitan police and chair and founding member of the Black Police Association, Dr Leroy Logan MBE, and Shaun Wallace, one of the masterminds from ITV’s The Chase who uses his own lived experiences to speak on issues of racial diversity to inspire a more inclusive society.

Events & Activities

Opening Ceremony

Hear from Dr Leroy Logan MBE and Shaun Wallace from The Chase as part of the Caribbean Takeover Opening Ceremony.

Time:                  10:30

Location:          Great Map

Quiz with Shaun Wallace

Come along and put your knowledge to the test against The Chase ’s Shaun Wallace. This multiple-choice quiz will be based on the workshops and activities from the day.

Time:              14.00 – 15.00

Location:        Great Map

Grand Finale

Head to the Great Map for performances from the Quadrille group and with African drumming and acrobats that will draw the Caribbean Takeover to a close.

Time:              15.00

Location:        Great Map

Workshops

Games Without Wires

Meet members of the Caribbean Social Forum and learn how to play African and Caribbean games.

Time:                  10.30 – 15.00

Location:        Under the Figureheads

Create Crafts

Families are invited to get crafty and celebrate the Caribbean Takeover.

Time:              10.30 – 15.00

Location:        Group Space

Quadrille Dancing Workshop

Learn the tradition of Quadrille dancing, a French type of couples dance that was taken to the colonies in the Caribbean and evolved into unique styles in many different Caribbean countries.

Time:                  12.00 – 13.00

Location:        Great Map

Silhouette Cutting Workshop

Find our silhouette artist and have your portrait created using paper and a pair of scissors.

Time:              11.00 – 16.00

Location:        Great Map

African Head Dress Demonstration and Workshop

A chance for visitors to have their own head dressed or to observe and ask questions.

Time:                  11.00 – 15.00

Location:        Rethink Space

Printing Workshop

Join artist Ling for a printing workshop. Images of ships that have journeyed between Africa, the Caribbean and Britain will be added to material using printing techniques.

Time:              11.00 – 15.30

Location:        Learning Space

Ethnovox workshop

Join in with an exciting and informative workshop, led by CeCelia Wickham Anderson, singing songs of African and West Indian heritage, which bring to life the joys and sorrows of our collective struggle for peace, unity and equality.

Time:                  12.45 – 13.45

Location:        Propeller Space

Talks and Character Encounters

‘John Blanke’ – A talk by Michael Ohajuru

Join Michael Ohajuru, director of The John Blanke Project to hear about John Blanke, a black trumpeter from Henry VIII’s court.

Time:                  11.30

Age:                Suitable for ages 9 and over

Location:        Lecture Theatre | Then at 12.30, meet at the Romney Road entrance to visit John Blanke’s plaque at Old Royal Naval College

Walking Images: Character Encounters

Meet famous historical characters from the past who will bring history to life.

Time:              11.00 – 15.00

Location:        Around the Museum

Character Encounter with John Simmonds

John Simmonds (1783–1858), was a black sailor who served with Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. Developed with John’s descendants and using over 40 years of family research, this encounter will take you on a journey through the museum, from Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonibare CBE to the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery.

Time:              12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00

Location:        Meet by the Parkside Entrance