Cheshire Afrofest hailed a success after drawing crowds to first event in Crewe

Cheshire Afrofest burst onto Crewe’s summer social scene in style on Saturday bringing a riot of colour and crowds of fun-lovers to Queens Park.

Grey skies and the threat of rain failed to dampen the spirits of local people who turned out in force to enjoy a full day of music and dance against the lush backdrop of the park.

Many were in traditional costume, showing support for landmark day of unity, diversity and community spirit in Crewe.

The event, the first of its kind in the region, exceeded expectations as families, residents and visitors from across South Cheshire flocked to experience a vibrant showcase of African culture.

Festival-goers danced, sang and celebrated together in a joyful display of cultural pride and inclusion with many dressed in handcrafted carnival costumes and bright African prints.

Attractions included live music performances, energetic dance displays, cultural exhibitions, fairground rides, community stalls and handicrafts as well as Afro art, fashion and delicious Afro-fusion food.

Designed for all ages and backgrounds, Cheshire AfroFest transformed the park into a beating hub of rhythm, movement and unity – and already plans are in the pipeline for next year’s event.

Organiser Amaka Lawton, founder of the award-winning Alpha Omega Women Peace & Security (WPS) Foundation in Crewe, was delighted at the response.

“This was exactly what Afrofest was created for,” she said. “People from every background came together to celebrate culture, friendship and community.

“Seeing families dancing together, meeting new people and embracing the atmosphere was joyful.”

Amaka and the organising committee thanked volunteers, sponsors, performers and local businesses for helping to bring her vision to life.

The event was sponsored by Alpha Omega Securities in Crewe, Crewe Town Council and Hibberts and supported by a wide-range of local businesses donating raffle prizes.

CreweCreates, which is helping to drive Crewe’s Town of Culture bid, staged craft sessions to make costumes and flowers for the festival Queen and her throne.

The Queen’s arrival, and parade round the park, proved a spectacle to behold as families joined in and danced to the beat.

“The support we have received, from local creatives and the Filipino community in particular, has been truly heart-warming, said Amaka who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Wistaston.

“It demonstrates there’s a real appetite for events that celebrate diversity and bring people together.

“This festival now belongs to the community.”

Joining in the fun was Crewe’s new Mayor Stuart Mackay.

Cllr Mackay hailed the event a big success and welcome addition to Crewe’s busy summer events calendar – next up is Picnic in the Park on June 20.

He said: “Crewe was founded on people from different cultures and backgrounds coming together to work and then creating a town with new ideas, new friendships and a desire to build on community.

“I can’t think of a better place to honour that tradition than by hosting the first Cheshire Afrofest celebration of African and Caribbean culture here in Crewe.”

For a full gallery of pictures see Cheshire Afrofest on social media and the website cheshireafrofest.co.uk.