AfroFest aims to open Northampton theatre to new audiences
Event will include live performances, food, exhibitions and talks
African, Caribbean and Black culture and creativity will be celebrated at a festival taking place in Northampton next month.
The event, called AfroFest, will bring together artists of all kinds with local businesses, charities and community organisations, and will include live performances, food, exhibitions and talks.
AfroFest is being organised by Banke Adetumbi, also known by many people in Northampton as singer Banke Naya, with staff at the Royal & Derngate, where the festival will be held in the run-up to the theatre staging the world premiere of Inua Ellams’ play Once Upon a Time in Sokoto.
Banke Adetumbi said: “AfroFest is about creating a bridge – it’s an opportunity for African, Caribbean and Black communities to see themselves reflected in the theatre through local artists, performers, businesses and community organisations, while also inviting people from every background to celebrate and learn together. It's about building connections, celebrating Black excellence, and showing that the theatre is a place for everyone.”
As part of AfroFest, there will be live performances on the Royal stage by artists including T-bone Afrika All Stars, Banke Naya and The Childish. Exhibitors will include fashion designers like 5kwomen by Koyinsola and House of Dees, with African crafts from Tiptoe Ventures. Food vendors include Velora Loaves and Joyous Cupcakes.
Adetumbi added: “I thought it would be good to create something familiar in a space that can sometimes feel unfamiliar, giving people a reason to walk through the doors, experience the theatre in a different way, and hopefully feel encouraged to come back for productions like Once Upon a Time in Sokoto.”
The play tells the epic story of an unlikely friendship forged between a slave and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria. Nigerian-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright and artist, perhaps best known the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles which played at the National Theatre before touring nationally and internationally.
AfroFest takes place on Friday September 11 from 2pm to 9pm. Tickets are free. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk/afrofest or call 01604 624811 to book.
Once Upon a Time in Sokoto takes to the Royal stage from Monday September 28 to Saturday October 10. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.