This Black History Month, UK Black Pride brings Black LGBTQIA+ communities together for Blacktober Fest! A big celebration of Black queer culture, music, performance, dancing and collective wellbeing. This year’s Blacktober Fest will be hosted by Thanyia Moore. Performers, Rileasa, Love Itoya, Nate Ethan, Shanay Maliya, King Dee and Blu and DJ, 2Traxx
Expect Black queer DJs, incredible live acts, dancing, community voices, independent stalls and plenty of space to gather, celebrate and take up space. From talented Black queer artists and creatives to community organisations and independent businesses, Blacktober Fest puts our people, our talent and our culture centre stage. Come ready for great music and a room full of Black queer people coming together to celebrate who we are.
Black History Month is a moment to remember the people and movements that came before us, but also to recognise that Black queer history is not confined to October. Our communities have always created, resisted, organised and cared for one another. We will continue to shape art, culture and movements across the world.
Following a summer of rest, reflection, reset and rebuilding for UK Black Pride, Blacktober Fest returns as a joyful, unapologetically Black and queer space for us to come together, celebrate and help raise funds to support the work UK Black Pride does as a not-for-profit organisation.
- Doors open at 6pm
- Live Performances from 7:30pm -10pm
- Stalls from 6pm - 9pm
- Djs from 10pm - 3am
- Live performances will have a BSL interpreter
Thanyia Moore
Thanyia Moore is an award-winning comedian, a skilled actor, an experienced writer and dynamic presenter best known for her fiercely commanding stage persona and razor-sharp wit.
Winner of the national Funny Women Awards, Thanyia has gone on to build an impressive list of TV credits including, but not limited to, Live at The Apollo (BBC) World’s Most Dangerous Roads (DAVE) Mock the Week (BBC), Mo Gilligan’s Black, British and Funny (Channel 4), Drunk History: Black Stories (Comedy Central), Richard Osman's House of Games (BBC), Celebrity Mastermind (DAVE), Big Narstie Show (Channel 4) and Don't Hate The Players (ITV) with more to come.
Rileasa
RILEASA is a London-based recording artist, drag performer, and visual creative originally from St. Lucia, known for combining bold aesthetics with high-impact storytelling. With a background spanning performance, dance, photography, and filmmaking, she brings a multidimensional approach to brand collaborations, content creation, and live experiences.
A finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 6 and a singer who has collaborated and toured with artists such as Becky Hill. RILEASA has worked across international events, digital campaigns, and entertainment platforms, connecting with audiences through authenticity, charisma, and striking visuals. Her work celebrates confidence, individuality, and transformation, making her a distinctive creative partner for brands seeking culture-driven storytelling and unforgettable presence.
Love Itoya
Love Itoya aka Power Diva is a London-based Greek-Nigerian award-winning singer-songwriter and powerhouse vocalist known for her magnetic stage presence and music centred on empowerment, resilience, self-belief and authenticity, blending pop, soul, funk and Afro sounds.
She won World Artist of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards in Nashville, USA, and Best UK African Artist at the 2024 BEFFTA Awards. Her single Space received GRAMMY consideration in 2026, and she was longlisted for Best Live Performer at the 2026 AIM Independent Music Awards.
Love has performed at BBC Introducing, Sofar Sounds, UK Black Pride, BET UK and Pride in London, including the main stage at Trafalgar Square, with performances across the UK, Europe and the Balkans. She has also received co-signs from Ciara, Alesha Dixon, Alex Scott, Jess Glynne, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne.
Nate Ethan
UK’s first trans rapper, Nate Ethan is a Wolverhampton-born artist blending UK rap, R&B and melodic songwriting with raw storytelling, slick flows and infectious hooks.
Already known as a rapper before transitioning, Nate had been building his name, performing and developing his sound long before his transition became part of his public story. His journey as an artist has continued to evolve, with his music becoming even more personal, honest and distinctive over time.
Recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper, Nate has been featured across BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and has also been crowned a BBC 1Xtra 16 Bar Champion, highlighting the lyrical ability and bars at the heart of his music.
Nate’s live career has included performing alongside legendary British vocalist Beverley Knight at Wembley for Transmission Live. His sound moves between hard-hitting rap, melody and vulnerable songwriting, drawing on real experiences of relationships, identity, heartbreak, ambition and growth.
With years of experience behind him, a distinctly British sound and a commanding stage presence, Nate Ethan continues to carve out his own lane in UK music.
Instagram: @itsnateethan
Shanay Maliya
Shanay Maliya is a Hackney-born singer-songwriter bringing smooth, soulful R&B to the stage. Her sound blends heartfelt storytelling, vulnerability and real-life experiences, creating music that feels personal, honest and relatable.
With experience as both a solo artist and backing vocalist, Shanay has performed alongside artists including RAYE, Ed Sheeran, Sasha Keable, Skye Newman and Shaé Universe. She made her festival debut at the 20th anniversary celebration of UK Black Pride in 2025 and is excited to return to the stage this year for UK Black Pride’s Blacktoberfest.
She released her debut single, “Changes”, in 2024, followed by her latest single, “D.N.A.M.”, which was featured in Season 2 of Dreaming Whilst Black on BBC Three.
With a growing catalogue and a genuine passion for live performance, Shanay is focused on sharing her music, creating meaningful connections and building a beautiful community along the way.
Social handles - @shanaymaliya (all platforms)
King Dee
Hailing from South London, King Dee is a bold and unapologetic bisexual hip-hop artist bringing a unique blend of late ’90s/early 2000s R&B and modern hip-hop to the UK scene. Known for his authentic storytelling, distinctive style and commanding stage presence, King Dee made history as the first male rapper to perform at UK Black Pride. With support from the MOBO Fund, features in Attitude and Viper Magazine, and his first of many BBC Introducing radio play, King Dee is building momentum as one of the UK’s most exciting independent artists.
Blu - Poet
Friday 16 October 2026 @ 6PM - 3AM
Address:The Colour Factory (Main Space), 8 Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN
Note: Please bring ID, Colour Factory operate a no, ID no entry policy
This event is supported by BLEECKER and GILEAD
Bleecker Bleecker believes great food brings people together. Founded as a queer-owned business, it creates welcoming spaces for conversations about community, culture and the people shaping them. Together in partnership with UK Black Pride, Bleecker supports with bringing people together to share stories and community discussions. Today, Bleecker has eight London locations and was named National Burger of the Year in 2024.
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company developing and delivering innovative medicines to improve lives. Through its partnership with UK Black Pride, it supports conversations and initiatives focused on Black health.