Iconic soul singer Ruby Turner and reggae legend Tena Stelin are two of the star names who are heading to Norfolk as part of the Black History Month celebrations. The music offered by these top acts will boost the festival bill of around 70 events which includes dance shows, writing workshops, performances from stand-up comics, art exhibitions and children's events.
 | | The State Of Emergency dance group |
The organisers have put together their busiest line-up yet which has made it impossible to cram all the events into just a month. "There is too much to fit into a month, so we've had to stretch the programme over six weeks," said Finbarr Carter from organisers Norfolk Education And Action For Development. Line-up growing Although Black History Month has been held in the UK since 1985, it's only the fourth year that the event has been held in the county - and in that time it's gone from strength to strength. "It's now a lot bigger - when we first started we had 15 events," said Mr Carter. "It's a partnership with lots of organisations involved, with more people involved and we're getting more feedback each year which is why we're holding more debates and lectures. "We're also trying to move out across the county rather than just being focused on Norwich," he added. Two launches The launch on Friday, 29 September at Norwich's Open Venue reflects what this year's festival has to offer in celebrating the contributions black people have made to history.
 | | Norfolk-bred artist Gloria Ojulari |
Political mover and shaker Simon Woolley, who set up Operation Black Vote, will talk about the future for young black people in the UK, while stand-up comic Rudi Lickwood will provide the laughs afterwards. A separate launch is being held in Great Yarmouth during Saturday, 30 September at St George's Theatre. It promises to be a lively day for all the family featuring colourful performances, and craft activities for children to tackle. Art exhibition Highlights from the packed programme include an art exhibition, Afo Juba Ajo, at Norwich's Bally Shoe Factory by Gloria Ojulari Sule, who grew up near Diss and is a Norwich art school graduate. Her work focuses on African art and culture and as part of the festival she was asked to produce the cover for Norfolk's Black History Month brochure. More eye-catching moments are promised during the capoeira workshops in Great Yarmouth - a type of dance brought to the nation's attention with the well-known BBC One trails.
 | | Gloria's brochure cover |
High-energy dance will also be coming to Reepham with a workshop from State Of Emergency, who will be getting young people to try African, contemporary and jazz moves. Children's events For children, there is a chance to get their hands dirty with ceramic and jewellery making, cooking and creating African masks among other things. Compelling personal stories from black and ethnic minority groups can be heard so people can share their achievements at a showcase put together by the BBC Voices Project at Origins in The Forum. However, as one of the main organisers, what is Mr Carter looking forward to? "For me, it's got to be Tena Stelin because he's a reggae legend and I've been buying his music for years so it's a real treat," he said. "For the talks and debates it's Blingish - about the impact that black culture has on white culture; the music we listen to and the clothes we wear. "Also, Kojo because he's an amazing comedian," he added. For a full line-up of events, download the programme from the Black History Month site listed at the top right-hand side of this page. | 
