Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and heritage at Mayflower Studios for BBAM Festival on Saturday 17th October 2026! Running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST, this inspiring full-day festival brings together Black Business, Art, and Music in the heart of Southampton. Organised by The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA), the festival welcomes visitors of every background to experience live cultural performances, interactive drumming and craft workshops, film screenings, a bustling business marketplace, and authentic African and Caribbean cuisine. Admission is completely FREE, though advance ticket booking is required.
Event Schedule & Timings
Schedule and timing details for BBAM Festival across Mayflower Studios:
- Event Date: Saturday 17th October 2026.
- Overall Festival Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM BST.
- Studios Café/Bar Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – Cultural marketplace, cultural music, and networking.
- 11:00 AM – Opening remarks and keynote address.
- 11:30 AM – Nigerian Storyteller performance and DJ music.
- 3:00 PM – Festival panel discussion.
- 4:30 PM – Closing reflections and acknowledgements.
- Studio 2 Schedule:
- 11:30 AM – Film screening: Ojúde Ọba: The Royal Legacy by Motoro Films.
- 1:30 PM – Private film screening (Invited guests only).
- 4:00 PM – Film screening: Ojúde Ọba: The Royal Legacy by Motoro Films.
- Studio 3 Schedule:
- 12:00 PM – Drumming workshop.
- 1:00 PM – Arts and crafts activities workshop.
- 2:00 PM – Drumming and interactive cultural session.
- 4:00 PM – Arts and crafts workshop showcase.
BBAM Festival Lineup & Highlights
Key attractions and cultural features at BBAM Festival:
- Cultural Marketplace & Networking: Local Black-owned businesses, artisan products, and community networking opportunities.
- Live Performances & Storytelling: Authentic Nigerian Storyteller sessions, DJ music, and interactive drumming performances.
- Film Screenings: Screenings of Ojúde Ọba: The Royal Legacy produced by Motoro Films in Studio 2.
- Interactive Workshops: Hands-on arts and crafts workshops for all ages leading into an afternoon showcase.
- African & Caribbean Cuisine: A diverse range of food vendors serving international dishes throughout the day.
Ticket Information
Admission details and booking guidelines:
- Admission: FREE entry for all visitors.
- Booking Requirements: Free ticket reservation is required in advance via the venue box office.
Venue Guidelines
Important venue rules and visitor information for MAST Mayflower Studios:
- Accessibility: MAST Mayflower Studios is fully accessible with step-free street access to the foyer, lift access across floors, and accessible facilities.
- Studio 2 Entry Note: The 1:30 PM screening of Ojúde Ọba: The Royal Legacy is restricted to invited guests only. Public screenings take place at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
How to Get to Mayflower Studios
Travel directions to reach Above Bar Street, Southampton (SO14 7DU):
- By Foot: Situated in the Cultural Quarter on Above Bar Street, adjacent to Guildhall Square.
- By Bus: Multiple central bus lines stop directly along Above Bar Street and Commercial Road.
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is roughly a 10-minute walk away through Watts Park.
Where to Park at Mayflower Studios
Nearby parking options for festival attendees:
- Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey Car Park: Located just a 3-minute walk from MAST Mayflower Studios (SO15 2BE).
- Civic Centre Car Park: Open-air surface car park situated opposite Guildhall Square (SO14 7FJ).
- West Park Multi-Storey Car Park: Located nearby on West Park Road (SO15 1FZ), approximately 5 minutes’ walk away.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover cultural festivals, art exhibitions, family workshops, and local community events near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is BBAM Festival taking place?
- The festival takes place on Saturday 17th October 2026, running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST.
- Where is BBAM Festival held?
- The event is hosted at MAST Mayflower Studios, Above Bar Street, Southampton, Hampshire (SO14 7DU).
- How much does it cost to attend BBAM Festival?
- Admission is completely free, but visitors must reserve a free ticket in advance.
- Who organises BBAM Festival?
- The festival is organised by The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA) in partnership with Mayflower Studios.
- What does BBAM stand for?
- BBAM stands for Black Business, Art and Music.
- What activities are taking place in Studio 3?
- Studio 3 hosts drumming workshops at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, an arts and crafts workshop at 1:00 PM, and a workshop showcase at 4:00 PM.
- When are the film screenings taking place?
- Public screenings of Ojúde Ọba: The Royal Legacy by Motoro Films take place in Studio 2 at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM (the 1:30 PM session is for invited guests only).
- Will there be food available at the festival?
- Yes, there will be food vendors offering authentic African and Caribbean cuisine throughout the day.
- Is BBAM Festival suitable for families and children?
- Yes, the festival is family-friendly and offers activities, storytellers, and workshops for visitors of all ages.
- Where can I park when visiting Mayflower Studios?
- Nearby car parks include Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey Car Park, Civic Centre Car Park, and West Park Multi-Storey Car Park.