The inaugural International Black Speculative Writing Festival invites registrations for its three-day in-person celebration, honouring Black British and global speculative writers. Scheduled to take place at Goldsmiths University in London from February 2 to 4, 2024, this pioneering event marks a significant milestone.

About the International Black Speculative Writing Festival

Founded by Kadija Sesay, a British-Sierra Leonean writer and literary activist known for commissioning the groundbreaking anthology “Glimpse” in 2022, the festival represents a unique endeavor in the realm of speculative fiction. Sesay, also renowned for her role as co-founder of The Gambia’s Mboka Festival of Arts, Culture, and Sport, brings over two decades of experience in organising festivals and symposiums, including noteworthy events like Word From Africa at the British Museum and the precursor to Africa Writes at the Southbank.

Supported by Arts Council England and with the collaboration of Prof. Deirdre Osborne and the Dept. of English and Creative Writing at Goldsmiths University, the festival promises a captivating lineup of guests. Notable figures such as award-winning writers Karen Lord from Barbados, Reynaldo Anderson of the Black Speculative Arts Movement and Temple University, along with UK-based acclaimed authors Leone Ross and Courttia Newland, are among the key attendees.

An exclusive event titled “Fassungslos” (German for ‘disconnected’ or ‘stunned’) will feature innovative speculative writing by Akila Richards and Claudia Monteith, exploring the experiences of individuals with mixed European and African heritage through various art forms. This presentation is in collaboration with the Black Speculative Arts Movement/Carnegie Hall.

The festival agenda includes a symposium hosting panel sessions by postgraduate researchers of speculative fiction, book clubs introducing speculative fiction to readers, and readings by Black speculative writers worldwide, encompassing works such as “Glimpse,” “The Cuckoo Cage,” and pieces from the winners of The Caine Prize for African Writing 2023, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo.

The weekend programme caters to writers seeking to excel in speculative fiction and aims to entice new readers through discussions, workshops, readings, storytelling, networking opportunities, and a curated Top 50 book list. Family-oriented activities comprise daytime storytelling sessions and an evening African masquerade performance.

Additionally, a one-day online festival on February 4 accommodates those unable to attend the in-person event due to distance or disability. Hosted by Sarah Ozo-Irabor, literary critic, blogger, and podcaster of Books and Rhymes and Writing Our Legacy, this online segment features Sheree Renée Thomas, the first Black editor of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

For the complete programme, click here to visit the official website.

Tickets for the digital festival are priced at £20 (full rate) or £10 for low-waged or unwaged individuals or students. To secure tickets for the digital festival, send proof of disability or distance status to infosablelitmag@gmail.com before booking. Bookings are open to all on January 4, if space permits.

For the in-person festival, a full weekend pass costs £45, reduced to £25 for low-waged or unwaged individuals or students. Day passes are available for £15, and single workshops can be attended for £5.