On Saturday 14th October 2017 we joined over 25,000 people at Africa on The Square, in Trafalgar Square, London, celebrating the diversity of African culture. The free event is organised by the Mayor of London in conjunction with Black History Month.
The main stage at Africa on The Square 2017 in front of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London
Huge crowds gathered across the famous square throughout the day enjoying the fantastic celebration of African culture which included live music on the main stage, an African fashion show, a colourful parade as well as workshops and a whole host of stalls selling everything from delicious African cuisine to our very own African print clothing.
We had a great time on our stall and met lots of lovely visitors from all over the world. Our founder Sian had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Miss Ghana UK 2017 who had also previously volunteered in Tanzania so they had much in common.
Our founder Sian (centre) with Miss Ghana UK 2017 (left) and the runner up (right) at Africa on The Square 2017
Here are some photos of our stall set-up showcasing our modern African print clothing and accessories. In the photos Sian is wearing Kitenge Store’s trendy diamond African print trousers next to her younger sister and volunteer, Anna, who is wearing one of our fashionable African print tops.
The Kitenge Store stall at Africa on The Square 2017
Our founder Sian (left) with her younger sister and volunteer, Anna (right)
Red African Print Maxi Skirt part of Kitenge’s range of African print clothing
Brightly coloured African menswear by Kitenge Store, handmade in Tanzania
If you weren’t able to make it to this year’s event then don’t worry as you can buy our African wax print clothing and ankara fabric from our African Boutique online.
In addition to the stalls, there was also an African fashion show, something we were privileged to be part of in 2015:
The whole day at Africa on the Square was a fantastic celebration of African culture. As well as live music, there was entertainment from DJ Edu from BBC 1Xtra, and plenty of great workshops for families including: African drumming, dancing, animal mask making, mosaics, jewellery and beads making and even screen-printing!
A fantastic ensemble of different dance groups joined the parade around the square wearing traditional African clothing from head to toe. From stilt walkers to plate spinners, djembe drummers and dancers they certainly kept the crowds entertained with their many talents. Can you guess all the different countries represented in the video of the parade below?
Visitors could also sample the delicious African-style street food and browse the popular African market with unique stalls selling Ankara fashion, accessories, arts and crafts, jewellery, cosmetics and homeware.
All in all, it was another fantastic event and huge thanks must go to everybody involved in organising such a brilliant celebration of Africa including Open The Gate and The Mayor of London.
We look forward to doing it all again next year!
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