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Irish Aid to Celebrate Africa Day
27 Apr 2009
Irish Aid, the Government's programme for overseas development, has announced that it will host a national celebratory event to mark Africa Day on Sunday, 24th May 2009 in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens. The event – which is family-focused and free to the public – will celebrate aspects of African culture through music, film, food, art and literature.
Africa Day – which falls annually on 25th May – is designated by the African Union as a celebration of African diversity and success, and as an opportunity to highlight the cultural and economic potential that the continent offers.
‘Africa Day @ Iveagh Gardens’ is just one of over 30 Irish Aid-funded events that will take place throughout communities in Ireland to mark Africa Day 2009. To kick-start celebrations, there will be a family day in the grounds of City Hall in Limerick on 17th May. Other events will include film festivals, lectures and music performances around the country.
‘Africa Day @ Iveagh Gardens’ will run from 12 noon until 8pm on Sunday, 24th May and will include a main stage featuring Irish and African entertainers throughout the day. Performers confirmed to date include: world-renowned Vieux Farka Touré, son of legendary Malian signer Ali Farka Touré; Cathy Davey; Kíla, who return to the event after participating in Africa Day celebrations last year; Niwel Tsumbu; Liam Ó Maoinlaí; Frances Black and some very special acts (to be announced close to the event). The Discovery Gospel Choir and Stone & Jezreel will also feature throughout the day.
Other elements of the event will include literary readings, art exhibitions, hair-braiding, face-painting and drumming workshops. On hand to manage sporting activities will be SARI, the FAI, the GAA and the AfroIrish Kideo Youth Club: mini-tournaments and skills demos will run throughout the afternoon. Activities will also include ‘Extreme Trampoline’ and giant jigsaw assembly.
Samples of African food and drinks will be offered to visitors; a full range of African-inspired dishes and drinks will also be available for sale throughout the venue.
‘Africa Day @ Limerick’ will host a similar main stage line-up and will feature a number of sporting and cultural activities.
Full details of the Africa Day programme is available from www.irishaid.gov.ie/africaday
ENDS.
Contact: Catherine Heaney, DHR Communications @ 01-488 5808 or 087-2309835
Catherine Heaney
Director
DHR Communications
101 James's St
The Digital Hub
Dublin 8
Tel: 01-488 5808
Mob: 087-2309835
email: catherine@dhr.ie
web: www.dhr.ie