May 30, 2018 - Events

Kitenge’s UK African Festivals Guide 2018

Africa Oye Festival stage Sefton Park in Liverpool

Festival season is here and we are delighted to be hitting the top African events in the UK this year. We love embracing the African and Caribbean culture and feel very lucky to be able to cover so many events in the UK this year. 

UK African Festivals to look out for in 2018


Africa Oye Festival
 (16th – 17th June)

A weekend not to be missed, as the largest free celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture in the UK. With kids zones, DJ’s and many amazing bands line up to play in Liverpool’s beautiful Sefton Park.

 

Africa Oye Festival stage Sefton Park in Liverpool

 

Africa Utopia Festival (19th – 22nd July)

The Africa Utopia Festival, which takes place at the vibrant South Bank Centre, was co-founded by the inspirational human rights advocate Baaba Maal. We are particularly excited for the headline act – husband and wife duo Amadou & Mariam.

Entrance to the marketplace (on level 2) is free and is open between 12-7:30pm on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July.

WOMAD Festival (26th-29th July)

The famous World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival has been going since the 1980s. Always held on the last weekend of July, the World Music festival also features activities and even a spa. Apparently, this year is set to be their most spectacular festival to date with an impressive international line up from around the globe.

 

WOMAD Festival sign Charlton Park Wiltshire UK

 

Afro Punk Festival London (Date TBA)

Afro Punk Fest is always a stimulating day with breath-taking art work and a variety of music which reflects African culture. Check out the Battle of the Bands where the best black talent battle it out to perform at Afro Punk’s events.

Africa Fashion Week London (10th – 11th August)

Tickets are currently on sale for the fashion shows at this inspiring indoor event, which has grown to become part of the annual fashion calendar of London. With our passion for the latest African influenced prints we at Kitenge cannot wait to check out the latest emerging designers and exhibitors from Africa, Europe and America.

The exhibition is open between 12-9pm on Friday 10th and 12-8pm on Saturday 11th August. Entrance to the exhibition hall is free!

 

africa fashion week london fashion show catwalk runway models

 

The Africa Centre Summer Festival (Saturday 18th August, 1-10pm)

Entry is again free so there’s no excuse not to be part of this energising street festival in South London’s trendy Southwark. This year’s line-up is yet to be announced but we’ve no doubt it will promise to be one to watch out for with last year’s festival bringing performances from Afriquoi, Afrikan Boy as well as the talented Sudanese singer Amira Kheir.

 

The Africa Centre Summer festival stage in London UK

 

Africa on The Square (Saturday 13th October TBC, 12-6pm)

Another free event which usually takes place on the second Saturday in October. Keep a look out for the announcement of this popular annual event, organised by the Mayor of London in recognition of Black History, which sees tens of thousands of people take to Trafalgar Square for an eclectic mix of fashion, music, art, food and plenty to activities to keep the kids entertained.

 

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

 

What to wear to an African Festival

Bold prints, rich in culture and 100% breathable cotton to keep you cool, is what we believe to be the perfect mix to give you an African festival wardrobe.

 

Kitenge customers having fun wearing their African style shirts at Victorious festival UK

 

Check out Kitenge’s African boutique online for a dazzling range of handmade, ethical and original prints that will definitely impress whilst also supporting the Tanzanian textile industry and the amazing tailors.

Get your African prints ready and immerse your senses in African culture, history and sound this summer!

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