Poet, writer and artist Mary Lelo.

Africa Day 2023 to be celebrated in Mayo

Plans are underway for Africa Day 2023 in Mayo.

Africa Day celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life.

This exciting festival will take place on Saturday next, May 27, and promises to be an immersive and interactive experience for people of all ages.

The festival brings many Mayo communities together to celebrate with singing, music, art, cultural workshops, and dance.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and learn about the unique and wonderful cultures of Africa!

There are over 20 performers from Africa, Jamaica, Kruistan, Brazil, Ukraine and Ireland.

Celesta Khosa, coordinator of Mayo Africa Day 2023 said: “It’s so important to come together to celebrate one another’s culture, to nurture respect and freedom of expression and to share this day with all communities”.

There is something of everyone to enjoy, DJ Mtoolz will be spinning his decks throughout the day, there are performances from well-known musicians Hakeem Hamid, Robbie Harris and Dudu Batera alongside traditional Mayo musicians Diarmaid Moynihan, John Cloherty and Kevin Doocey and much more.

Photography from the project Crowned Mayo will also be on show.

Crowned is an exploration of hair and identity through story, conversation and artwork from African women living in Mayo by artist Breda Mayock.

This year's event takes place in Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. It is a free event, but booking is required.

You can book at: https://thelinenhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873646591.

Come along with the whole family to enjoy the very best of talent and celebrate the incredible diversity and beauty of African culture.

Mayo Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and Mayo County Council.

For more information visit www.AfricaDay.ie