Join Ainsley Harriott in celebrating African Caribbean Food Month
Published: Friday, August 29, 2025
There’s still time for local people, businesses, community organisations and schools to get involved in our African Caribbean Food Month.
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Wandsworth is London Borough of Culture 2025 and upcoming highlights include a programme of events as part of the council’s Black History 365 programme.
The month will kick off with a launch event which will feature an ‘In-Conversation’ style interview with Ainsley Harriott, where the TV chef will share how his Caribbean heritage has shaped his passion for cooking. There will also be a panel discussion with some of the chefs who are redefining and elevating African Caribbean cuisine in the UK. Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy samples of African Caribbean dishes prepared by local businesses.
African Caribbean Food Month will continue with food-focused events, including cooking workshops, author talks, supper clubs, pop-up shops, community cookouts and live cooking demonstrations. There will also be activities in schools and family hubs and library storytelling sessions for children and young people.
Local people are asked to submit their favourite family recipes for our African Caribbean Heritage Recipe Book. Look out for submission boxes in libraries and the Town Hall Marble Hall reception from 8 September, or email them to the Wandsworth Heritage Service.
We also want to hear from local community organisations, schools and businesses interested in running an event as part of African Caribbean Food Month. We will promote your event in our printed programme and online.
Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “From the Windrush generation seeking refuge in the Clapham South underground to the African female warriors recognised by Dahomey Road in Tooting, Wandsworth is littered with evidence of its African and Caribbean history.
"We know food brings people together, elicits sharing and storytelling and so we’re keen to celebrate food of the African diaspora as part of our year as London Borough of Culture. African Caribbean Food Month will be a real feast for all the senses, and we’re keen to get all of the Wandsworth community involved in this delicious month.”