Laois African Day was back with a bang this June Bank Holiday weekend and delivered on its promise of being a day filled with amazing food, music, drama and different culltures as all are invited to share in the festivities.
Portlaoise Parish Centre marked the spot for incredible live events including musicial performances, free food tasting, poems, dancers, face painting, hair braiding for kids, arts and crafts and much more.
Yesterday marked the second year of free Laois African Day event.
Chairman of the Laois African Support Group Bolaji (BJ) Adeyanju spoke about how he feels it’s important for the African community to get involved in activities in Laois.
“The way I look at it is, Irish people have opened Ireland to us – they have opened their home to us. What do you do when someone opens the door to their home to you? You say hello. That is what we need to do now,” said Bolaji.
Among some of the acts who performed on the day were; Deejay Matt, Joe S, Gospel Choir group Royal Vessels and VOMI Queens traditional dance.
There were also spot prizes for the best African dress and best performance on the day and this isn’t all the Laois African Support Group (LASG) were doing this June bank holiday week.
There was also a two hour lecture on African literature, history, culture and heritage taking place in Portlaoise on the week of the Flagship event.
All photos below taken by Michael Scully.
Members of the Omoregie, Izere, Osagie and Ekhorutomwen families , at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Orlaith, Joanne, Saoirse and Matt Kennelly , at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Julie Scully (Integration Support Worker, Laois Partnership co. ) Anne Goodwin ( C.E.O. Laois Partnership Company ), Peter O’Neill ( Chairperson, Laois Partnership Co. ) presenting a Laois jersey to Bolaji Adeyanju ( Chairperson, Laois African Support Group ), Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ) and Brenda Corbett ( Laois Co Council ), pictured at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Anne Goodwin ( C.E.O. Laois Partnership Company ), Bolaji Adeyanju ( Chairperson, Laois African Support Group ), Peter O’Neill ( Chairperson, Laois Partnership Company )and Julie Scully (Laois Partnership ) pictured at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Gaffar Saka, Ismail Somoye and Azeezat Saka, at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ) and Enkelejda Suli , at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Nicholas, OJ, Natania and Nanette Oiboh, at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Gaffar Saka, Ismail Somoye and Azeezat Saka, at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.
Knowledge, Melissa and Priscillaat Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Enkelejda and Suli, at Africa Day in Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Caeser, Taylor and Anna, at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Pauline, Adeose and Okoson , at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.
A family day out at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Ladies providing entertainment at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Teklom and Pat Maher, at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.Ladies providing entertainment at Africa Day at Portlaoise Parish Centre grounds on Saturday. Photo: Michael Scully.
