Black History Month
The music, the conversations, the laughter, the applause and, above all, the people. Some evenings leave you with memories that deserve to be revisited.
On Thursday, 22 October 2026, Caring and Sharing Rochdale (CAS) brought the community together at Middleton Arena for its 9th Black History Month Celebration. With the theme “Honouring Our Communities”, the evening celebrated Black heritage, recognised community contributions and created opportunities for people to connect.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of excitement. As the evening unfolded, it became a beautiful reminder of what happens when people come together to celebrate their shared stories and experiences.
A Room Filled with Community
The evening began with warm welcomes, familiar faces and new connections. Guests arrived, registered and made their way to the red carpet before settling into the venue, ready for the celebration.
Every memorable evening begins with a warm welcome. A look at our guests arriving and getting ready for the celebration.
The outfits, the smiles, the poses and the excitement! Our guests certainly brought their style to the celebration.
The room filled with guests, ready to share in an evening of culture, recognition and community.
Celebrating Our Heritage Through Culture and Performance
Black history is not only about remembering the past. It is also about recognising the cultures, creativity, achievements and contributions that continue to shape our present and future.
Our cultural performances brought colour, rhythm and energy to the celebration. Through music, dance and cultural expression, performers shared their talents and gave guests more reasons to celebrate the richness of our heritage.
Moments of music, movement and cultural expression that brought the celebration to life.
Celebrating Local Businesses and Community Enterprise
The celebration was also an opportunity to showcase the creativity, products and services within our community. Our vendor stalls added another dimension to the evening, giving guests the chance to explore, connect with local businesses and support the people bringing their ideas to life.
A look at the vendors who brought their products, creativity and businesses to our celebration. Thank you for being part of the evening.
Honouring the People Who Make a Difference
Our communities are shaped by people who show up, give their time, support others and make a difference in their own ways.
One of the highlights of the evening was recognising our honourees and celebrating their contributions. Their stories reflect the dedication, generosity and commitment that help our communities grow. We were proud to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate them.
Celebrating the individuals whose dedication and contributions make a lasting difference in our communities.
Welcoming Our Special Guests
We were delighted to welcome guests whose presence added to the significance of the evening.
Our special guests included keynote speaker Kofo Kego Oyeleye, Elsie-Jane Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, Councillor Liz McInnes, Mayor of Rossendale, and Pastor Sunday Onabanjo.
Their presence contributed to an evening centred on shared experiences, community recognition and the importance of celebrating the people and stories that shape our society. We appreciate each of them for joining us.
A few moments with the special guests who joined us for CAS’s 9th Black History Month Celebration.
More Than an Evening of Celebration
The importance of community cannot be measured by a single event. It lives in the relationships we build, the stories we share, the people we recognise and the spaces we create for one another.
For CAS, this year’s Black History Month celebration was an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, support and honour our communities.
To everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, supported, partnered with us or contributed in one way or another, thank you. You helped make the evening what it was.
The memories, conversations and connections do not end when the event does. They continue in the communities we return to every day.
Relive the Celebration
Whether you joined us on the night or couldn’t make it, our community film captures some of the people, performances and experiences that made the celebration special.
WATCH OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMMUNITY FILM ON YOUTUBE
Thank you for celebrating with us.
We are the community.
