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Events and highlights

Events to mark and commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery were co-ordinated by the government, supported by an adivsory group made up of academics, religious leaders, community groups and representatives from museums and other cultural bodies.

Highlights included:

• a national service of commemoration organised by 'Set All Free', a group set up by Churches Together in England; the service was attended by the Queen and Tony Blair
• the opening of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool on the 23rd August; the museum explores the historical and contemporary aspects of slavery, addressing the legacy of the slave trade and telling stories of bravery and rebellion amongst enslaved people
• the Royal Mint's issuing of a commemorative £2 coin
• the Royal Mail's issuing of a set of stamps depicting prominent abolitionists
• the launch of a commemorative magazine tracing the story of abolition and the people - both British and African - who played a role in it; follow the link below to order or download a copy

• Get a free copy of the commemorative magazine

Commemoration in the port cities

Various UK port cities hosted events to mark the bicentenary:

Bristol

A new exhibition - Breaking the Chains - opened at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol in April 2007. The exhibition runs for 18 months.

The day of the bicentenary, 25th March, was marked by a service of reconciliation, held at Bristol Cathedral. The event was organised by the cathedral in partnership with the Council of Black Churches. To find out more about commemorative events in Bristol, follow the link below.

Liverpool

A major arts and culture programme helped bring communities across the city together to recognise those who suffered under slavery and to celebrate the huge contribution of the African diaspora.

Events included a mass participation reading of Andrea Levy's novel, 'Small Island', and the 'Writing on the Wall' festival, with contributions from poets Levi Tafari, Benjamin Zephaniah and Jean Binta Breeze.

London

A service of commemoration for London, in partnership with UNESCO, was held at City Hall on the 23rd August 2007, with attendees including the Reverend Jesse Jackson. For more details, follow the link below.

A major new permanent exhibition - London, Slavery and Sugar - opened at the Museum in Docklands in November 207. The exhibition reveals how London's involvement in slavery has shaped the capital since the 17th century. It aims to challenge what visitors think they know about the transatlantic slave trade.

Hull

Hull, the home of William Wilberforce, a leader of the movement to abolish slavery, hosted a range of events. These included Jane Elliot's 'Anatomy of Prejudice' seminars and a debate on freedom and fair trade looking at contemporary issues around equality and fairness.

The Wilberforce House Museum re-opened after a £1.6 million redevelopment. Nearly 4500 local schoolchildren took part in learning activities to find out about slavery and its legacy.

• Abolition of the slave trade - events in Bristol Opens new window
• Memorial Day at City Hall, London Opens new window

More useful links

• The International Slavery Museum, Liverpool Opens new window
• London, Sugar and Slavery Exhibition, Museum in Docklands Opens new window
• Royal Mail commemorative stamps Opens new window