Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre will be alive with music, words and community spirit this October as it plays host to two powerful cultural events that celebrate Black creativity and heritage. This October, an evening of spoken word and a special Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Festival are both coming to Liverpool Hope University’s vibrant theatre as part of BlackFest 2025!
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Spoken Word Poetry Night: Fri 3rd Oct, 7pm
On Friday 3rd October, a Spoken Word Poetry Night is coming to the theatre — a much-loved part of the BlackFest cultural diversity festival that consistently draws both loyal audiences and new visitors. Four talented artists will take to the stage, using their words to explore themes of race, identity, culture, love and survival. The line-up includes:
- Dionne Simpson – Performing as Purpose in the Pain, Dionne is a Black British creative, published author, musician, and domestic abuse advocate. A survivor herself, her work bravely shares her personal journey to recovery, while raising awareness of wider issues. As an autistic woman, her art shifts seamlessly across disciplines, blending spoken word, writing, and song.
- Janoma Omena – A queer Nigerian creative writer and poet whose work amplifies the stories of young and queer communities. A regular at spoken word events such as Chapter One Open Mic and Pull Up and Speak, Janoma’s writing has been featured in Brittle Paper and multiple anthologies. They also lead writing workshops and literary events, bringing people together through words.
- Sabiya – A Liverpool-based spoken word poet and singer, Sabiya infuses her work with love, reflection, and a stream-of-consciousness style that creates raw, soulful performances. As an emerging voice, she hopes to inspire other Black and gender-minority creatives to embrace their own artistry.
The Shakespeare North Playhouse team are also collaborating this year, offering technical, dramaturgical and production support. Combined with specialist artist development sessions in performance skills, vocals and stagecraft, this promises to be one of the most innovative and experimental editions of the Poetry Night yet.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Festival – Sat 11th Oct, 7pm
The celebrations continue the following week with a special Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Festival, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Britain’s most celebrated Black classical composer. Presented by Tayo Aluko & Friends in association with BlackFest, the event will be a true community celebration.
Attendees are invited to bring their voices and instruments to join in performing works from Coleridge-Taylor’s famous Hiawatha trilogy, alongside a rich selection of his other orchestral and choral pieces. The evening will culminate with Tayo Aluko’s acclaimed one-man play with songs, Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown, which tells the story of the composer’s life and legacy.
The performance will be followed by a Q&A session, opening up space for reflection on the issues raised throughout the evening. This is not just a concert, but a joyous opportunity to build community through music, history, and shared cultural pride. Whether you come to perform, to listen, or simply to meet new people, the festival promises an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration.
Both events highlight The Capstone Theatre’s role as a hub for creativity, inclusivity and artistic innovation in Liverpool. From the raw honesty of spoken word to the soaring beauty of orchestral music, October will be a month of unforgettable performances.
BlackFest Spoken Word Night / Fri 3rd Oct, 7pm / The Capstone Theatre, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L6 1HP
BlackFest Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Festival / Sat 11th Oct, 7pm / The Capstone Theatre, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L6 1HP
