Celebrate Africa Day with Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service

Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service is getting ready to celebrate Africa Day, an annual worldwide celebration of the people, culture and heritage of African countries on Saturday the 25th of May 2024.

Communities are invited to take part in and celebrate Africa Day, with a range of events planned including a family fun day, art workshops, exhibition, drumming and dance workshops.

Announcing the programme, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said

Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures of people with African heritage in Cork, as well as Ireland’s relationship with African nations. Our annual Family Fun Day returns to Mallow Library, while drumming workshops for beginners are available to book in Mallow and Newmarket libraries. I encourage communities to get involved and join in the fun.

Young residents at Drishane Castle in Millstreet will participate in art workshops with artist Elton Sibanda, their art will be displayed at an exhibition in Mallow Library on Africa Day. While residents of Clonakilty Lodge will collaborate with dancer Maria Ardinie for a series of four dance workshops.

African Drumming Ireland will run drumming workshops for beginners at Newmarket and Mallow Libraries on Saturday the 25th of May. Advance booking is essential. Contact Mallow Library on (022) 21821 or email mallow.library@corkcoco.ie and Newmarket Library on (029) 61090 or email newmarket.library@corkcoco.ie to reserve a space.

Following the drumming workshop, a free Family Fun Day is planned for Mallow Library on Saturday the 25th of May from 12.30pm, celebrations include including art classes with Elton Sibanda, facepainting, food by Marrian from Café Jane, and music by Godswill Enamaye.

Mallow Library is also inviting children and teenagers from across the county to submit artworks for an exhibition under the theme of ‘Africa Day’. The closing date for entries is the 22nd of May and book vouchers will be awarded to the most original and creative artworks. Entries, including name, age, address and parent or guardian contact number, can be submitted by post to Africa Day Competition, Arts Office, Cork County Council, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork.