Swipe left or right to explore the MELAN8 2025 programme

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP (3 hours)
Jamal Gerald is an Artist, Artistic Director and Writer, delivering a 3-hour masterclass in into creative writing for performance artists and creators
|| WORKSHOP

BLACK, QUEER & DONE (1.5 hours)
Black, Queer & Done is an award-winning documentary exploring the experiences of Black, queer artists and arts professionals. A Weusi production, the film has so far won multiple accolades including wining more than 15 film awards and been screened at more than 30 international film festivals
|| FILM SCREENING

30-minute tour of St Mary’s Guildhall
|| TOUR

WELCOME TO MELAN8 2025
MELAN8 Host Merisha Stevenson and WEUSI Artistic Director Nyasha Daley welcome visitors to MELAN8 2025.

Bestselling author Lathan Forrester reads from his children’s book ‘FC Tyro: The Battle at The Barn’ at 12noon and 3pm
|| BOOK READINGS

FOR THE CULTURE PANEL
Exploring the intersections of culture, community and career with Belgrade Theatre Creative Director Corey Campbell and former Birmingham Poet Laureate, Artist & Author Casey Bailey
|| PANEL + PERFORMANCE

FREDERICK DOUGLASS + COVENTRY
Emmanuelle Cottrell, Founder of The House of Emanuel I&I C.I.C, shares US Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ connection with Coventry and St Mary’s Guildhall
|| TALK

Notting Hill Carnival Co-Founder Allyson Williams MBE reads from her book ‘Tell Me Something I Don’t Know’
|| BOOK READINGS

OPERATIC PERFORMANCE
Performance from accomplished, soprano opera and concert singer, Abigail Kelly
|| PERFORMANCE

TAKING UP SPACE PANEL
Exploring the realities of taking up space within Arts, Culture & Creativity sectors with More Than A Moment Founder Elizabeth Lawal, Arts Producer Diandra McCalla and CEO & Artistic Director of Eloquent Dance, Romanah Buchanan
|| PANEL

45-minute Frederick Douglass audio tour of St Mary’s Guildhall
|| TOUR

ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY (1 hour)
The Coffee Ceremony - created by LULA.XYZ
Frankincense and myrrh incense burning.
Fresh popcorn popping.
Beans roasting over a hot plate.
This show is inspired by excerpts from the show I AM - OommoO
|| INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE

Educator and Pastor Gilroy Brown will be reading from his book ‘Redeemed’ at 1.30pm and 3.45pm
|| BOOK READINGS

ECLECTIC VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Fiona Faye is a accomplished singer-songwriter, performing an eclectic jazz, soul and reggae inspired set
|| PERFORMANCE

COMMUNITY FUTURES PANEL
Exploring structures, objectives and ambitions of new and future generational community creation with Fyah Kamp Co-Founder Reuben Cottrell and Fyah Kamp artistes, G3nna and Teedemba
|| PANEL + PERFORMANCE

Errol Drummond, CEO of Sunrise Bakery, will be reading from his book ‘Sea Grapes on Bluefields Beach: Searching for The Streets of Gold’ at 2.15pm and 4.30pm
|| BOOK READINGS

STAND-UP COMEDY SET
Annette Fagon is a British stand-up comedian and TV warm up artist. She never fails to wow her audience with brutal honesty and funny truths
|| PERFORMANCE

THEATRICAL DIRECTION WORKSHOP (45 minutes)
Actress, Award-winning writer, Published Author, Creative Consultant and Director, Tonia Daley-Campbell delivers a 45-minute mini theatrical direction masterclass
|| WORKSHOP

iDENT2020 | THE 21 (3 hours)
Watch the 2nd iteration of MELAN8 - iDENT2020. Curated and shared online during December 2020. Despite global lockdowns, 21 Black heritage artists were commissioned
|| FILM SCREENING

30-minute tour of St Mary’s Guildhall
|| TOUR

Bestselling author Lathan Forrester reads from his children’s book ‘FC Tyro: The Battle at The Barn’ at 12noon and 3pm
|| BOOK READINGS

KIZOMBA DANCE PERFORMANCE
Christina Mcintosh and Bidemi Shokunbi are thrilled to bring their unique styles and vibrant energy to the stage, sharing their love of dance with audiences at the festival
|| PERFORMANCE

STEEL PANS PERFORMANCE
Coventry’s Phase One Steel Band, under the leadership of Founder Stephon Phillip, have performed at numerous prestigious events, including Notting Hill Carnival
|| PERFORMANCE

Educator and Pastor Gilroy Brown will be reading from his book ‘Redeemed’ at 1.30pm and 3.45pm
|| BOOK READINGS

COMMUNITY AS A MOVEMENT PANEL
Exploring how arts + community can be used as a positive force for societal change, cultural exchange and activism with Legacy Centre of Excellence CEO Keith Shayaam-Smith, Notting Hill Carnival Co-Founder Allyson Williams MBE, Publisher and Coach Marcia M Spence and Warwick Arts Centre Artistic Director & CEO, Doreen Foster
|| PANEL + PERFORMANCE

KIZOMBA DANCE WORKSHOP (45 minutes)
Christina McIntosh and Bidemi Shokunbi are an exciting Kizomba duo, combining years of professional dance experience; join this brilliant basics workshop and try Angolan dance Kizomba for yourself
|| WORKSHOP

45-minute Frederick Douglass audio tour of St Mary’s Guildhall
|| TOUR

Errol Drummond, CEO of Sunrise Bakery, will be reading from his book ‘Sea Grapes on Bluefields Beach: Searching for The Streets of Gold’ at 2.15pm and 4.30pm
|| BOOK READINGS

POWER BALLADS AND BEATS
Letitia George is a vibrant, talented and creative host and powerful vocalist, sharing a high-octane, soulful performance
|| PERFORMANCE

COMMUNITY CALL-OUT
Invitations from community networks to explore, engage and connect, with Weusi and the HighLife Centre.

CONTEMPORARY HIP-HOP
KayFaraway is a rising celebrity in the hip-hop community, particularly in contemporary Hip Hop, sharing infectious sounds, thought-provoking stories, and deft wordplay
|| PERFORMANCE

DISPLACED PLACEMAKING PANEL
Exploring how displaced artists approach and maintain artistic practice, creativity and community with Artist and Creative Visionary Laura Nyahuye and Charity CEO Victor Iringere
|| PANEL + PERFORMANCE

PUBLISHING WORKSHOP (45 minutes)
Publisher Marcia M Spence shares everything you need to know to share your story with the world
|| WORKSHOP

Saxophonist Roy Smith transports us through time through classic and contemporary Jazz and Rhythm ’n’ Blues standards
|| PERFORMANCE

STAND-UP COMEDY SET
Smash Entertainz is an entertainer in all realms, excelling in crowd engagement and humour. His ability to connect with his audience on a personal level has made him a firm fan favourite
|| PERFORMANCE

MAGICAL MELANATED MOVES
Eloquent Dance Adult Ensemble treat us to a dazzling contemporary dance display
|| PERFORMANCE

MELAN8 2025 CONTRIBUTORS
More than 50 brilliant Black Arts, Culture & Creative Professionals all in one Festival!

Published authors from Marcia M Spence Publishing House share their stories through readings and books
|| BOOK FAYRE

ARTS & CRAFTS
Self-guided play for little ones who want to be part of the action (and not just watch it!). Children must be accompanied by an adult parent or carer at all times.
|| BOOK FAYRE
(Colouring-in is available 12noon-4pm in the MERCERS ROOM)

FACE-PAINTING & GLITTER TATTOOS
Priscilla Lemm brings bright, bold colours and a little sparkle to proceedings with face-painting and glitter tattoos
|| BOOK FAYRE