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Abolition of the slave trade

Commemoration in 2008 and beyond

The bicentenary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act offered a unique chance for the people of Britain to reflect on the wider story of translatlantic slavery and its abolition, and on the roles of ordinary people and politicians, alongside other Britons, Africans and West Indians, in helping to bring an end to slavery.

However, the Government wanted to ensure we continue to mark this important part of our history beyond the bicentenary year and decided to adopt the 23rd of August as the focal date for national commemorations. A number of events are planned for 2008.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

The UNESCO day marks the uprising of enslaved Africans in Haiti, who, under the leadership of former enslaved African Toussaint L'Ouverture, overthrew the French and British armies and established the first society-wide emancipation in history. Enslaved Africans were the main agents of their liberation and in choosing this date we are seeking to emphasise this.


Community groups are able to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Big Lottery Fund and Arts Council England for support for heritage projects linked to commemoration.

More information on the funding sources

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