THE Guildhall hosted a Black History Month event filled with food, music and history - celebrating the contributions of black people to the city of Worcester. 

Black History Month recognises and celebrates the contributions of black people to British society.

Today's (Saturday, October 21) free-to-attend event, held between 11am and 3pm, was a joint venture between the Worcester Afro-Caribbean Association and Worcester City Council.

Inside the Guildhall, there were lots of displays and stalls which provided information about the event and about notable black people over the years from in and around Worcester.

Joanne Best, member of the Worcester Afro-Caribbean Association and co-organiser of the event, explained what was happening inside The Guildhall.

She said: "October is Black History Month, and today's event is a good opportunity to showcase historically when black people first came to Worcester, what they contributed to the community and also to the economy.

"On the ground floor, we have the 'Roll of Honour', showcasing Worcester people over the years, there are also a lot of pictures provided by the team from the council and archive footage.

"Upstairs we will also have food, art and music, so the building is going to be very full. It is the first one we have ever done and we are hoping next year will be even bigger and better.

"I am so pleased to be a part of it."

Joanne Best also highlighted that this year's event had a particular focus on black women from in and around Worcester.

She said: "There is an emphasis this year on females, and with that in mind, we have a lot of information here today about black nurses that came over via the Windrush route in the 50s and 60s.

"Some worked in Powick and others also worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and areas in between. It is a chance to showcase and acknowledge them.

"There is not a lot of documentation over the years about when black people first came to the city, so this is a way to make people more aware."

Cllr Louis Stephen, mayor of Worcester was in attendance at the event, alongside other members of the city council.

He said: "It is vitally important we celebrate Black History Month. There is so much culture and history that we need to celebrate.

"By looking at the past and seeing all the great people that have contributed to the city, it allows us to really value what has been done and where we are today."