Free London festival this weekend celebrates history that created multicultural Britain

once said, ”I don't wish to have what they call a multicultural society,” implying there’s only one way to be British.

This weekend, the Triangle of Unity Festival hopes to prove her wrong. Hosted by the charity I co-founded, The World Reimagined, and held in the centre of London, the Triangle of Unity Festival focuses on how history connects us. A history that actually created multicultural Britain.

Thewas the culmination of anger, frustration and, quite frankly, a lot of people not knowing why people of different cultures are here.

These perpetrators have been failed by schools, the media, and a system that’s happy to exploit them. How do we move forward? How do we achieve social cohesion?

It starts by recognising that our history connects us all, and that what happened centuries ago is still shaping our lives today. Through art, food, music, and conversation, the Triangle of Unity Festival is here to do just that. Did you know Nigerians drink more Guinness per head than the Irish?

The ‘Triangle’ refers to the triangular trade route of Great Britain, Africa, and the Americas (Brazil, Caribbean, USA) a route created through the trade of enslaved people.

It’s a painful subject, a challenging one but it doesn’t mean it should be ignored, avoided or brushed off for happening hundreds of years ago, especially as the ripple effects are still everywhere.

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Black women are four times more likely to die in . Black kids are excluded from school at three times the rate of others. Black men are 2.4 times more likely to be arrested than White men. The lies told to justify slavery continue to shape inequalities today.

This festival is not about blame. Instead, we’re creating a space where Black, White, and Brown people can come together with hope and humanity. We aim to display the best of us equally.

We want visitors to actually experience equality and feel joy. This is why the theme of the festival is Joy as Resistance.

I’ve been amazed by the generosity of our participants. Syd Shelton, whose iconic Rock Against Racism photographs will be on display, has donated his entire catalogue free of charge. Heather Small has given her usual fee to the charity. And The Future Plate, who caterers for stars like and , will serve from food stalls for the first time ever, offering top-class meals at affordable prices.

These people, like me, want to contribute to creating a better future for all of us.

When The World Reimagined launched in 2019, we wanted to educate people about the lasting effects of transatlantic slavery. Our globe art trail was seen by millions across seven UK cities.

Now, we’re taking it further. This weekend, we’re not just imagining a better world – we’re building it. I hope to see you there!

Venue: Strand/Aldwych WC2R 1ES

Times: 12 pm to 8 pm

Nearest stations: Temple, Holborn, Charing Cross

Free tickets available for live music and panel discussions at www.theworldreimagined.org

Drop in family craft sessions from London Museum Docklands