Celebrate Africa Day in Limerick with fun events

MUNSTER hooker Damien Varley will make his singing debut with the Killaloe/Ballina Gospel Choir this Friday night as part of the Africa Day celebrations in the city.

Limerick will gather to celebrate and enjoy the diversity of its African communities with a fun filled programme of colourful events this weekend.

From Friday the city will be alive with a bustling line-up of free events showcasing aspects of African culture, including music, sport, games, literature and art.

The aim of the day is to celebrate the diversity and potential of the African continent and increase awareness of Ireland’s many links with Africa.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Jim Long, said he was proud that the city was associated with the event for the fourth consecutive year.

“There’s a huge variety of events on in Limerick to celebrate Africa Day and it’s wonderful that they’re all free and family friendly so I’m encouraging everyone to come along,” said Mayor Long.

“Hosting such events reaffirms our commitment to integration and our goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive and dynamic Limerick city for all residents.

“We’re confident that this exciting calendar of events to mark Africa Day will connect communities and promote inter-cultural exchange through sport, music and the arts,” he added.

The centrepiece of the celebrations on Friday will be ‘Voices of Africa’ concert taking place at the Belltable Arts Centre at 8pm.

The free concert will bring together talent from Africa and Ireland with over 100 performers, including Damien Varley and the Killaloe choir, Elikya, Limerick Youth Choir, Kate Njoku, Alphonsine Masaba, Kathleen Turner, the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra and the Reds Percussion Ensemble.

Limerick City Library will host several activities including drumming, storytelling and art earlier on Friday from 9am-2pm, while the fun will continue on Saturday morning in Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, with a Limerick Sportsfest from 12pm.

The People’s Park will play host to May Music from 2pm on Saturday while St John’s Church will host a family fun day on Sunday with face painters, arts and crafts, drumming and live musicians.

For more information, visit www.africaday.ie or www.limerick.ie/africaday.