A Vibrant Celebration of Community and Heritage

On Sunday, 24th August 2025, the LWO Cultural Group, alongside local and international performers, hosted its annual Summer Festival of Community Arts and Culture at St Luke’s Community Centre, Canning Town, London. Running from 4 PM to 11 PM, the event brought together hundreds of people for an evening of dance, music, food, and cultural exchange.

Preserving Tradition Through Performance

The festival offered a diverse programme of performances showcasing the richness of African culture:

• Myel Otole – a vigorous Luo dance accompanied by pulsating drums, often performed at communal gatherings.

• Myel Larakaraka – a celebratory dance from Northern Uganda traditionally performed at weddings, symbolising joy and togetherness.

• Myel Bwola – the royal dance of the Acholi people, once reserved for kings and chiefs, performed to convey dignity and unity.

• Lingala music – with its infectious rhythms and guitar-driven melodies, the Congolese genre had the crowd on their feet.

• Fashion Show – models showcased African attire, blending traditional fabrics with modern design, celebrating creativity and identity.

These performances not only entertained but also served as living lessons in cultural history, offering the younger generation insights into practices passed down for centuries.

“This festival is about more than just performance,” said Precious Otema, one of the organisers. “It’s about creating a space where traditions are honoured, communities connect, and cultures are shared with pride.”

A Family-Friendly Festival Atmosphere

The organisers ensured the festival remained accessible and welcoming. Families arrived with children of all ages, enjoying the Bank Holiday BBQ Special, where traditional dishes were served alongside music and dance.

With affordable ticket prices — £15 for adults, £10 for children, and free for under-fives — the event created an inclusive atmosphere that reflected the spirit of community.

“It felt like being back home in Uganda for a moment,” shared one attendee. “The dances, the music, the food — everything carried the warmth of our culture.”

Building Bridges Across Communities

Beyond the performances, the Summer Festival 2025 fostered a spirit of unity. It drew not only members of the African diaspora but also Londoners from different cultural backgrounds who came to learn and experience traditions firsthand.

The LWO Cultural Group, through such initiatives, continues to play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage while also encouraging dialogue between communities in the UK.

“London is a city of many cultures,” noted organiser Florence Atim. “Events like this remind us that when we share our traditions, we build bridges of understanding.”

Capturing the Moments

• “Dancers performing the traditional Myel Bwola, a royal Acholi dance.”

• “The colourful African Fashion Show highlighted traditional fabrics in modern design.”

• “Families gathered at St Luke’s Community Centre enjoying the Bank Holiday BBQ Special.”

• “LWO Cultural Group members and performers taking a bow at the festival’s finale.”

Looking Ahead

The 2025 edition of the Summer Festival reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of cultural celebration in London’s African community calendar. Through music, dance, food, and fashion, it showcased the vitality of African traditions while creating a shared space of joy and reflection.

For many, it was not only a celebration of heritage but also a reminder of the role cultural events play in fostering identity, unity, and pride.

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