Cultural Heritage Month 2026: Soft Launch Event Marks an Exciting New Chapter

CFA
24 hours ago
2 min read

Cultural Heritage Month is a new nationwide celebration of culture, heritage and creativity launching May 2026 with the first official programme taking place from 11 May to 16 June 2026.

On Thursday 27 November 2025, Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC hosted the soft launch of Cultural Heritage Month at Hackney Museum in East London.

The intimate gathering brought together partners, creatives, cultural leaders and community members to share in an evening of reflection, connection and enthusiasm ahead of the launch.

This new initiative builds on the momentum of four years of community-based cultural programming, including the successful partnership with The Mall Wood Green, whose continued support and collaboration have played a key role in shaping the growth of Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC. Their commitment to inclusive community engagement, led by Marketing Manager Catriona Baille, has demonstrated the impact cultural events can have in public spaces and has helped pave the way for Cultural Heritage Month.

Guests explored a curated mini-exhibition showcasing the organisation’s work to date, including cultural showcases, shopping centre partnerships, workshops and festival programming.

The display offered a visual timeline of the growing movement and the communities that have shaped it.

The event was hosted by Candy-Ellie Graham, Founder and Creative Director of Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC, with opening remarks from Ace of Jacks, whose warm and engaging welcome set the tone for the evening.

Candy (founder) shared the journey that led to Cultural Heritage Month, explaining how the organisation’s cultural programmes across the UK revealed a clear need for a dedicated national moment to celebrate identity, heritage and creativity.

Speakers from previous Cultural Fashion & Arts initiatives also reflected on their involvement.

These included: Catriona Baille, Marketing Manager at The Mall Wood Green, a key partner whose centre continues to lead the way in community-focused cultural programming.

Soulma, a Sega dancer from the Segatastic Dance Company, who shared her experience of presenting dance heritage and inspiring wider audiences.

Jorowar Singh, a 2025 project participant, who spoke about the confidence and pride gained through cultural storytelling and performance.

Speaking on the night, Candy said:“Over the past four years we’ve heard the same message again and again — people want more space to celebrate who they are, to share their stories and to connect with others through culture. Cultural Heritage Month is our response to that. It is a moment for communities across the UK to come together, celebrate identity and inspire one another through creativity. This does not replace Cultural Style Week, it includes it and builds on it”

As the formal programme concluded, guests continued to network, view the exhibition and exchange early ideas for May 2026.