10 Fun Social Activities for African Immigrants in the UK

Moving to the UK comes with excitement and endless possibilities, but it can also bring quiet moments of loneliness. The change in pace, culture, and weather can make it hard to build new friendships, even when you’re surrounded by people.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. Many African immigrants in the UK go through a season of social adjustment — learning how to connect, communicate, and find joy in a new environment.

The good news is that there are plenty of fun ways to meet new people while staying connected to your culture and identity. This article explores ten social activities for African immigrants in the UK that will help you build real connections, one experience at a time.

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The Reality of Starting Over Socially

Adjusting to life in a new country is more than jobs and paperwork; it’s also about finding your people. For many Africans who grew up in close-knit communities, the UK’s fast-paced, individual lifestyle can feel isolating. Conversations happen in passing, social circles take time to form, and the sense of communal warmth you once took for granted may feel missing.

But this doesn’t mean connection is impossible. It simply takes a new kind of effort and being intentional about putting yourself in spaces where community lives. Fun social activities can become a bridge between cultures. They help you meet others who understand your story, share your energy, or simply want to connect beyond small talk.

So, if you’ve been wondering how to meet new people in the UK or how to start rebuilding your social life as an African immigrant, here are ten welcoming, fun, and affordable ways to do it.

1. Join African Cultural or Diaspora Associations

Across London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities, there are many African cultural organizations that host regular social events. These associations organize cultural festivals, networking mixers, and discussion groups that bring people together through shared heritage.

Joining one can help you meet others from your home country or the broader African diaspora. These communities often become a second family where you can celebrate, laugh, and exchange stories about life abroad.

Search for keywords like “African associations in London” or “African diaspora events UK” to find local listings.

2. Attend African Food Festivals and Street Markets

If there’s one thing that connects people instantly, it’s food. The UK has a growing scene of African and Afro-Caribbean food festivals that celebrate familiar tastes and joyful gatherings. For example, the Jollof and Suya festivals in London and African street markets in Birmingham are events rich with laughter, music, and community.

10 Fun Social Activities for African Immigrants in the UK to Meet New People — Image credit Freepik

3. Visit African Churches, Mosques, or Faith-Based Communities

Faith spaces are more than places of worship; they’re social hubs that nurture belonging. African churches and mosques across the UK often hold youth meetings, women’s fellowships, community dinners, and charity projects.

If you’re looking to meet people who share your values, these communities can be a great starting point. They offer both spiritual support and opportunities for deep, lasting friendships.

4. Join African Dance, Music, or Drumming Classes

Nothing connects people like rhythm and movement. Afrobeat, highlife, and traditional dance classes are becoming increasingly popular across UK cities.

Joining a class gives you a fun way to stay active, express your culture, and meet people with shared interests. Dance breaks barriers, and laughter during class can quickly turn strangers into friends.

5. Attend African Film Screenings, Art Exhibitions, or Poetry Nights

If you enjoy creativity, the UK offers a variety of African-centered cultural events. Film festivals like Film Africa in London, art exhibitions by Black British artists, and open mic nights in cities like Bristol and Leeds create perfect spaces to meet people who value culture and expression.

These settings spark conversations about identity, creativity, and shared experiences. They are inclusive spaces where African immigrants and allies come together to celebrate storytelling and art.

6. Volunteer for African-Owned Charities or Community Events

Volunteering is a beautiful way to give back while meeting like-minded people. Many African-led charities in the UK focus on youth mentorship, education, or cultural awareness.

When you volunteer, you don’t just offer your skills; you join a network of people who care about the same causes. It’s a purposeful way to meet new friends while building a sense of belonging through shared service.

7. Join Meetup or Facebook Groups for Africans in the UK

Online communities are powerful tools for offline connection. Platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook have hundreds of groups where African immigrants plan dinners, movie nights, and cultural outings.

These social activities for African immigrants in the UK are often casual and low-pressure, perfect for newcomers who want to ease into the social scene. Attend one or two events, introduce yourself, and let natural friendships form.

8. Explore Co-Working or Creative Hubs

If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, shared spaces like Impact Brixton, Black Creatives Hub, or The Africa Centre in London can be excellent places to meet people.

These spaces host workshops, mixers, and creative sessions that attract Africans and other people of color who are passionate about growth and collaboration. You might go in to work and leave with a new friend or potential collaborator.

9. Take Outdoor or Wellness Classes

The UK’s parks and wellness centers are full of opportunities to connect. Join hiking clubs, Zumba sessions, or yoga classes in your local area. Physical activity naturally helps people relax and connect without forced conversation.

Look for groups that focus on inclusivity, such as Black Girls Hike UK or community-run wellness initiatives. They provide safe and supportive environments to meet new people who care about health and positivity.

10. Attend Networking Events for Black Professionals

If you’re career-focused, professional networks like Black Young Professionals Network (BYP), UK Black Business Show, or Black Women in Tech UK host events across major cities.

These are more than career events; they’re community spaces where you can meet ambitious, inspiring people. Professional relationships often evolve into meaningful friendships when values and goals align.

Social Activities for African Immigrants in the UK to Meet New People — Image credit iStock

How to Nurture the Friendships You Make

Meeting people is only the first step; maintaining those connections takes intention. Here’s how to deepen the friendships you start to form:

Show up consistently: Attend events regularly so people remember you. Familiarity builds trust.
Follow up: Send a message after meeting someone, invite them for coffee, or attend another event together.
Be curious: Ask questions, share stories, and show genuine interest in others.
Stay open-minded: Your new friends may come from different backgrounds, but connection grows through shared humanity.
Be patient: Real community doesn’t happen overnight; it builds with time and mutual effort.

Friendship is like planting a seed. With consistency, it blossoms into something lasting and beautiful.

The Joy of Finding Your Circle

Community is all about connection. And when you open yourself to it, you’ll find that the UK holds countless opportunities for joy, laughter, and togetherness.

If you’re on a journey of rediscovering community and connection, explore The Love Compass. It’s a collection of reflective quizzes designed to help you understand yourself, nurture meaningful relationships, and build a deeper sense of belonging wherever you are.