Norfolk is set to enjoy a packed programme of music, literary events, an African market and more as this year's Norfolk Black History Month (BHM) gets under way.

Norfolk Black History Month, launched last night at Norwich City Hall, runs throughout October and includes more than 100 events and activities across the city and county.

Abraham Eshetu, chairman of the Norfolk Black History Month Steering Group, said: 'The theme for 2013 is Celebrating Black History: Past, Present and Future.

'We have chosen this theme so that we can reflect on the contribution of the trailblazers who cleared the way for us, while acknowledging how far we've come and looking towards the future with hope of the promise it holds.

'This year we have organised different events across the county. I urge everyone to come and celebrate Black History Month by attending, enjoying, promoting and experiencing as many events as possible throughout October as its provides the opportunity for all us to celebrate our shared history and culture.'

Among the 2013 events is an African Market at Castle Mall in Norwich which starts on Tuesday and runs until October 27.

Throughout the month there will be a variety of music and drama events across Norfolk, including at Café Marzano at the Forum in Norwich.

The BHM Arts and Literature Festival feature lectures and discussions, and on October 11 at the Forum there is an evening of performance, laughter and brisk word-play with Caribbean poets John Agard, who holds the Queen's Medal for Poetry, and Jean 'Binta' Breeze, who was made an MBE for services to literature.

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts will host a family festival on October 13. A lecture and exhibition series includes a High Wind in Jamaica exhibition at Café Marzano by artist Danny Keen, and a lecture on Tuesday, October 1 at the Millennium Library in the Forum about the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Visit www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk