October 16, 2017 - Events

Celebrating Black History Month at Africa on The Square, London

Main stage with gospel choir at African on The Square 2017 in Trafalgar Square London

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.

 

Main Stage at the Mayor of London's Africa on The Square 2017 held in Trafalgar Square London

 

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.

African Clothes London

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.

 

Sian with Miss Ghana UK 2017 and the runner up at Africa on The Square 2017 wearing Kitenge African print trousers

 

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 busy Kitenge Store Stall selling modern african print clothing at Africa on The Square 2017 in Trafalgar Square London

 

The Kitenge Store stall at Africa on The Square 2017

 

Kitenge Store founder Sian with her sister and volunteer Anna wearing a yellow African print top at Africa on The Square 2017

 

Our founder Sian (left) with her younger sister and volunteer, Anna (right)

 

Kitenge Store women's red African print maxi skirt displayed on a mannequin outside our stall at Africa on The Square 2017

 

Red African Print Maxi Skirt part of Kitenge’s range of African print clothing

African menswear by Kitenge Store displayed on their stall at Africa on The Square 2017

 

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:

 

 

A Celebration of Africa

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!

Share Tweet Pin


Connect

Mailing List

Sign up to get 10% off your first order!