IT has become one of the most important events in Southampton’s cultural calendar.

And as it returns for its ninth year, organisers have promised a programme of “spectacular” events as part of Black History Month, which is launched in the city today.

Celebrating 500 years of black history and culture in the city, this year’s packed roster of events will feature concerts, poetry, talks and films.

Over the past eight years the event has developed into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, with more and more artists, poets, musicians, filmmakers and speakers marking the occasion each October.

This year’s programme boasts a gig commemorating the 40th anniversary of reggae superstar Bob Marley’s concert at the now-demolished Coach House Club in Swaythling, a performance by award-winning saxophonist David Murray and a performance to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

It will be started tonight by an event at the University of Southampton in Garden Court, where city mayor Ivan White will officially launch Black History Month and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes will give a talk.

Coordinator Don John said: “It’s a very comprehensive line-up this year. We’ve got something happening almost every day and the main thrust of Black History Month is that it’s entertaining, informative and educational.

“It will be a spectacular celebration of the 500-year presence of black people in Southampton. This is for all of the community, of every ethnic background, and we hope this is something that everyone will embrace and see as part of the history of the city.”