Why Black Girl Fest is taking a break

Organisers have today announced that the hit festival that celebrates black women, girls and non-binary people won't return in 2020

TAKING A BREAK: Nicole Crentsil, second from left, co-founder of Black Girl Fest

BLACK GIRL FEST will not return this year, organisers announced today.

The celebration of black women, girls and non-binary people is taking a break in 2020 and will return in 2021.

In a statement, Black Girl Fest organisers Nicole Crentsil and Paula Akpan said: “We want to make sure we’re taking the time to plan and cater to the needs of our growing communities, ensuring that everything we do for the annual festival has been meticulously thought out and incorporates the feedback you’ve given us.

“And that’s why we’re giving ourselves more time with our next festival which will now be taking place in 2021.”

While fans of the event will no doubt be disappointed, organisers have sought to offer reassurances by explaining that they have a number of exciting, smaller projects planned for 2020.

Some have voiced their support for the decision.

“Hope you give yourself all the space you need. Well done for being brave and taking the time out to get to where you want to be. Very proud to see you out there as a wonderful example,” one commenter wrote on Instagram.

“Makes total sense, slow and steady wins the race,” another said.

Black Girl Fest background

Black Girl Fest, which was first staged in October 2017, has since become an annual event featuring workshops, panel discussions and exhibitors – and attracting thousands of people.

Crentsil and Akpan used Crowdfunder to raise more than £7,000 to put on the first festival.

4Front Project founder Temi Mwale, MP Dawn Butler and performer Travis Alabanza have all featured on previous programmes.

This year, Crentsil and Akpan expanded their remit and launched the Black Girl Fest Academy, a seven month community-focused creative programme in association with Today at Apple and the mayor of London.

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