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AFRICAN FARM FESTIVAL
By Leikeisha Walters
The grand African Farm Festival was held at Farmeco Community Care Farm, Screveton on Saturday 18th
August. This was a fun-filled community day with live music, drumming sessions, African food, jewellery and
artefacts, walk in the farm, trailer rides, meet, greet and feed the animals, talks and information stalls.
Community members had the opportunity to interact with the
Maasai Cricket Warriors throughout the day, finding out more
about their aims for the tour and what they are doing to raise
awareness about issues affecting their community back in
Kenya such as FGM, early and forced marriages, HIV/AIDS, and
wildlife conservation.
The main stage featured many great performances from
local artists who were keen to showcase their talent and
culture, including: Nigerian all-female dance troupe from
Igbo Union, Syrian duo Al Yasmin, Gambian singer Amie
Cherry accompanied by multi-instrumentalist John Berry,
soulful singer-songwriter Marita Metelia, and Iranian folk
singer Sherry Onica. The Warriors captivated festival-goers
with their traditional ‘jumping dance’ (called orkikor in the
Maa language). For many, this would have been a once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity for them to have witnessed such an event right before their eyes.
Both the drumming and dance workshops held by ACD Arts went down a storm with attendees - children and adults
alike! Young people were invited on stage to bust a move and have some fun! With breathtaking views of the countryside
including the farm’s own nature trails and woodland, members of the public were offered a trailer ride of the 500 acre
farm, entertained along the way by everyone’s favourite farmer, David Rose, with a nature quiz and fun facts - the lucky
winners even had chance to drive the tractor! To end the celebrations, many of the wonderful festival-goers joined in
with the dance train - a memorable event for all, and a beautiful way to end the day.