Fri 19 Sept and Sat 20 Sept: AFRICAN FESTIVAL Time in Sunderland.
It’s a case of “out of Africa” and “into the North East” this weekend as Sunderland embarks on a celebration of the continent, timed to coincide with the launch of the hit musical, The Lion King, which opens at Sunderland Empire this week. Two days packed with entertainment have been put together by Sunderland Experience It Here, the city’s Business Improvement District, in and around the Minster on High Street West. The festival will kick off at 6pm on Friday with a free performance by The Mighty Zulu Nation Warriors followed by a host of musical entertainment and Discovery Zoo activities for young people, bringing to life the various animals that live in the world’s rain forests.
On Saturday 20th a packed programme of entertainment will take place throughout the day including the Pearl of Africa Choir (at 11am), Pan African drummers, fashion shows, Dance Jam and a number of performances by the Zulu warriors.
Sunderland Football Club’s strong links with Africa will also be evident on the day, with a speed cage and African-inspired tricks and flicks sessions for young people to get involved with.
The Minster will also host drumming sessions on Saturday, open to anyone if booked in advance, followed by an opportunity to play African games.
Throughout the weekend there will be a number of stalls selling snacks, African jewellery and African soul food from Agnes Offiong and Heavenly Manna, while chefs for SAFC will be giving a range of cookery demonstrations of African style dishes.
Anyone wanting to book a place on the Discovery Zoo –Rainforest Workshops or the Hilaire Drumming Workshops can do so by emailing laura.hartland-adams@bidsunderland.co.uk
Visitors to the festival could also win tickets to see Sunderland AFC by bringing unwanted adult boots in good condition to Sunderland Minister on the Saturday in support of Kenyan football team Sunderland SAFC Keroche
Waka Waka Africa North East 