Certain Blacks Presents
Black Athena
March – April 2026
This spring, Certain Blacks launches Black Athena Festival, a new programme presented across Rich Mix and The Place. Rooted in the ideas explored in Martin Bernal’s groundbreaking book Black Athena − which challenges Eurocentric histories by proposing that ancient Egypt, not Greece, was the birthplace of civilisation − the festival reflects on the cultural narratives we inherit and the importance of recognising difference within contemporary UK.
Tickets now on sale at the RichMix and the Place
ACCESS FOR ALL
We aim to offer an unforgettable and accessible festival for everyone, and inclusion is at the heart of Certain Blacks.
The Place offers step-free access, including lifts to all levels, designated wheelchair spaces, and hearing-loop systems. Rich Mix provides a ramped entrance, lifts to all performance spaces, multiple accessible toilets (with RADAR locks) across floors, and hearing-loop and infrared audio systems. They also welcome CEA cards, enabling a carer to attend free of charge. If you would like to discuss your access needs, please get in touch through Certain Blacks’ website, or contact the venue directly via The Place / Rich Mix websites or their Box Offices.
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Access information: Rich Mix
GETTING THERE
We encourage you to think green when you plan your trip to the venues. We look forward to welcoming you!
RICH MIX
Rich Mix is a fully accessible venue located in the heart of the East End, close to the City with excellent transport links, on the doorstep of Shoreditch High Street station.
35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA
020 7613 7498
feedback@richmix.org.uk
Overground
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street (The Windrush Line).
Underground
Nearest stations: Liverpool Street (Central, Hammersmith & City, District and Metropolitan Lines and Queen Elizabeth Line), Old Street (Northern Line), Bethnal Green (Central Line), and Aldgate East (Hammersmith and City, District Lines).
Bus
Rich Mix is well served for buses and is on or near to many different routes. The 8 and 388 buses stop next to the building and can take you to the West End or towards Bow, Hackney, and Cambridge Heath. From Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street you can catch buses 26, 35, 47, 48, 67, 78, 135, 149, 242 and 243.
Train
Liverpool Street is our nearest mainline railway station with frequent suburban and national services.
Car
Rich Mix does not have a car park. Details of local parking restrictions can be found on the Tower Hamlets website www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Bicycle
There is a Santander Cycle hire point at Shoreditch High Street station.
Access information: The Place
THE PLACE
The Place is centrally located, just minutes from both Euston and King’s Cross St Pancras, with excellent public transport links and accessible facilities.
17 Duke’s Road
London
WC1H 9PY
020 7121 1100
Underground
Nearest stations: Euston (Victoria Line, Northern Line, London Overground and National Rail services) and King’s Cross St Pancras (Victoria Line, Norther Line/Bank branch), Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines.
Train
King’s Cross St Pancras National Rail services and Eurostar.
Bus
The nearest bus stops are British Library (services 10, 205, 30, 390, 476, 59, 73, 91, N73, N91) and Upper Woburn Place (services 168, 59, 68, 91, N91).
Bicycle
The nearest Santander Cycle Hire docking stations are Endsleigh Gardens, Euston and Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury.
There are bicycle racks outside The Place’s Flaxman Terrace entrance (16 Flaxman Terrace, WC1H 9AT)
Car
There are metered parking spaces on the roads around The Place (free after 6.30 pm weekdays, 1.30 pm Saturdays and on Sundays) and dedicated spaces for Blue Badge holders outside each entrance.
There is motorcycle parking on Duke’s Road.
Nearby car parks include Euston Station (Melton Street, off Euston Road, NW1 2EP) and St Pancras Station (Pancras Road NW1 2TB).
Our Environmental Commitment
Certain Blacks recognises its responsibility to protect the environment. We’re working hard to make Ensemble Festival more sustainable and less wasteful—and we’d love your help:
- Choose low-carbon travel when you can.
- Bring your water bottle and reusable cutlery.
- Dispose of waste responsibly and look out for recycling stations
We approach our access and environmental efforts with empathy, openness and kindness, and we welcome your feedback as we continue to learn. Share your ideas with our team—we’re listening.
