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A Celebration of African Culture

Laois County Council and Laois African Support Group have announced that May 28th will be the day for celebrating Laois Africa Day, 2022. A busy family-friendly lineup of events is planned, with live music, drama, poetry, children’s entertainment, traditional African drumming and dance displays, African fashion, arts and crafts sport and educational elements.

Africa Day is celebrated worldwide and is an initiative of the African Union, which celebrates African diversity and success and the cultural and economic potential of the continent.

Laois County Council together with Laois Africa Support Group is among a number of organisations around the country that have been supported by Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs to host Africa Day events this year. 

“We are really looking forward to the return of the day, we have been working with Laois County Council and Irish Aid for months to hold it. I hope everyone can come and enjoy maybe the closest experience of Africa they might ever have,” Bolaji said. Bolaji Adeyanju is chairperson of the Laois Africa Support Group.

A Festive Day packed with Fun for all the Family

With events happening in Laois on May 28th, Portlaoise will be uplifted and transformed by the sights, sounds and smells of Africa, as we gather to celebrate Africa Day Laois 2022.

The Africa Day Laois event is taking place on the grounds of Portlaoise Leisure Centre (R32 YP11).

Africa’s rich culture will be showcased through family-friendly activities, along with music, performances, sport and educational elements.

A spokesperson said: “In the interest of sustainability, help reduce emissions and traffic congestion, use public transport, walk or cycle to your local Africa Day.”

“This event will see live music, drama , poetry, along with many more performances.

“There will also be children’s entertainment; traditional African drumming and dance displays, African fashion, arts and crafts and much more.

“There will also be a Laois Africa v Laois Gardai Soccer Match on the astroturf pitch at 11.30am that morning as part of the celebrations.

“The last in person staging of this event was in 2019 at Portlaoise Parish Centre, and, having been celebrated online for the last two years, we hope to see you there on the 28th May and to meet you again.

“Please note that all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and that as part of the event, photographs and video will be taken by a photographer or event staff.

“If you do not wish to be photographed please inform the photographer.”