LEND your ears to the soulful voice of Mica Paris at the Harlow Playhouse (Friday, October 16), hear the remarkable story of the great American actor, singer and civil rights campaigner Paul Robeson from the man himself at Stratford Circus (Wednesday, October 28), or laugh your socks off to Richard Blackwood at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (Friday, October 2).

These highlights plus many more are taking place across east London and Essex in celebration of Black History Month, which recognises the enormous contribution black artists, musicians, writers and intellectuals have made, and continue to make, to British cultural life.

Dance, film, art, music, theatre and crafts all feature on the eclectic programme, with a whole range of children’s events, from storytelling to drumming workshops taking place at libraries and museums across the area.

For more information about BHN visit www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk. For events in the Waltham Forest area visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk