“BLACK AUTHORS ARE DISAPPEARING FROM UK BESTSELLER CHARTS” — NATIONAL READING HERO WARNS AHEAD OF BLACK BRITISH BOOK FESTIVAL

Just 14 Black authors featured among the UK’s top 1,000 authors by sales in the first 24 weeks of 2026, accounting for just 0.9% of revenue — as Selina Brown brings Candice Carty-Williams, Corinne Bailey Rae, Wretch 32 and Maggie Aderin-Pocock to the Barbican Centre on Sunday 4 October.

LONDON — Just 14 Black authors featured among the UK’s top 1,000 authors by sales in the first 24 weeks of 2026, accounting for only 0.9% of the revenue generated by that group, according to analysis reported by The Bookseller.

The figures come as the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) returns to the Barbican Centre on Sunday 4 October 2026, during the opening weekend of UK Black History Month, for its fifth festival and third consecutive year at the Barbican.

BBBF has sold out every year since launching in 2021 and has grown into Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature. This year, more than 80 authors and cultural figures will take part across over 35 events, bringing together thousands of readers, writers and families for a day spanning literature, music, science, poetry, publishing and culture.

The festival is founded and led by children’s author Selina Brown, who earlier this year was named the inaugural National Reading Hero and awarded The Queen’s Reading Room Medal for her work championing reading and widening access to books.

Selina Brown, Founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival, said:

“The figures should concern everyone in publishing. Six years after the industry made major commitments to racial equity, just 14 Black authors appearing in the top 1,000 tells us we cannot assume progress will sustain itself.

“At BBBF, we see the demand firsthand. We have sold out every year for five years. Thousands of people come to buy books, discover writers and bring their children into reading.

“The audience is here. The talent is here. The question is whether the industry will continue to invest in them. BBBF is about building the infrastructure Black literature needs to thrive long term — developing readers, supporting writers and creating routes into publishing.”

That infrastructure includes a new Black British Book Festival × Pan Macmillan collaboration, launching at this year’s festival to give emerging writers a community-led route towards publication.

Headline names for 2026 include bestselling author Candice Carty-Williams, Grammy Award-winning musician Corinne Bailey Rae, rapper and songwriter Wretch 32, and space scientist and broadcaster Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Other highlights include the Black Poetry Shutdown, a live book club with NAO, an interactive murder mystery with bestselling author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, and a set from garage and grime pioneers Heartless Crew.

The programme also includes Jason Arday: Race, Power & the Price of Public Scrutiny, a conversation with Dr Kehinde Andrews, Nels Abbey and Kelechi Okafor examining race, media power, academia, institutional responsibility and the treatment of Black public figures.

For aspiring writers, BBBF will also run practical sessions on securing a book deal, children’s publishing, self-publishing and building a sustainable writing career.

Families remain central to the festival, with a dedicated children’s programme running throughout the day. Storytelling, crafts, science, music and interactive activities will include Rasta Granny’s Rainbow, Maya & Marley: The Friendship Adventure, Kid Rex to the Rescue!, Create Your Own Crown and Save the Planet!

Karena Johnson, Head of Creative Collaboration and Learning at the Barbican, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the Black British Book Festival back to the Barbican for a third year. Over the past three years, BBBF has established itself as an important part of our cultural programme, bringing thousands of people together around literature, creativity and ideas.

“Its continued growth and five consecutive sold-out festivals demonstrate the appetite for Black British stories and for cultural spaces that bring together different generations, disciplines and communities. We’re proud to continue that partnership in 2026.”

Joanna Prior,CEO  Pan Macmillan, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the Black British Book Festival return and incredibly proud to mark five years as its headline sponsor. What began as a shared belief in the importance of creating more space for Black writers and readers has grown into a longstanding partnership with real ambition. We’re excited to continue supporting BBBF as it grows, reaches new audiences and creates new opportunities for writers.”

The Black British Book Festival 2026 takes place on Sunday 4 October 2026 at the Barbican Centre, London.

Festival Passes cost £20 headline event plus access to the wider festival programme of over 30 events, subject to capacity.

VIP Passes cost £45 and include access to all four headline events.

Tickets are available at barbican.org.uk.