Irish Aid will be hosting its annual Africa Day on Sunday, 29th May, in Farmleigh Estate in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

Now in its fifth year, Africa Day returns with another impressive programme, celebrating the best of African and Irish musical, artistic, and creative talent. This family fun day has gone from strength to strength over the years, and reflects what our society should be, with everyone mixing in together, enjoying a good-natured fun occasion. Last year, over 27,000 people attended the event.

Launching Africa Day 2016, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D., said “I am delighted to continue our tradition of highlighting the strong connections between Ireland and the countries of Africa on Africa Day, the official day of the African Union. Africa Day provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of African nations, as well as their diverse cultures and heritage. By supporting Africa Day in 2016, we are again demonstrating our confidence and hope for the continent over the years to come.”

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the colours and sounds of Africa at the Jambo Welcome Zone, all courtesy of the embassies of Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

There are also three stages on site, where you will be kept entertained musically throughout the day. These include:

Kwassa Kwassa Stage (11:30am – 6pm)

This is the Main Stage, featuring a collection of old and new artists — not to be missed! Look out for the likes of Jafaris, Sidiki Dembele Sextet, Ájo Arkestra, and Kíla, amongst many others.

Atilogwu Stage (11am – 5:50pm)

This stage will be home to Rap, Hip-Hop and R’n’B for the day, coordinated by Timi ‘Tim Dogg’ Martins of Goodlife Promotions. We have it on good authority that he guarantees another incredible line-up from a host of African, Irish and international artists, including Lady Funl’ayo, Colin ‘Jaffa’ McKenna, DJ Daley (pictured below), and Pop Dogg, to name but some of the talent.

Malaika Stage (11:15am – 5:45pm)

First introduced to Africa Day in 2014, the Malaika Stage will feature a range of exciting up-and-coming African or African-influenced acts, from big music ensembles to solo artists. You really should check it out and bop along to the sounds of Amica, Strange Attractor, Nouveau Esthetique, Rhythm Africana, Kiruu, NC Gray, and Yankari. There will also be a fashion show taking place here at 4:15pm, with the results of the Best Dressed competition being announced as well.

Besides the musical entertainment, there is also a Dance Zone that will feature workshops in tribal belly dancing, Egyptian dance, West African dance, and samba. Mount Kiddimanjaro (gotta love that name!) will cater for the younger visitor, with an array of stalls offering fun, family-focused activities, including children’s games and funfair rides. There will also be drumming demonstrations, followed by ‘Bang the Drum’ workshops hosted by Irish Aid taking place throughout the day.

An African Bazaar in the Marrakech section will feature stalls from over 40 different groups, offering an array of food, crafts, activities, and music from dozens of African countries, along with face-painting, hair-braiding, henna art, interactive games, storytelling and lots more!

Africa Day takes place in the grounds of Farmleigh Estate on Sunday, 29th May 2016, from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Please note that this is an alcohol-free event. Dublin Bus will also be providing a free shuttle bus service to Africa Day.