Festival · Programme
Programme
The running order for festival day. Times, speakers and performers are editable and confirmed by the committee closer to the date.
12:00Gates open, cultural market and food tradersGuests arrive and greet. Traders, craft stalls, community stands and the children's
area open.
13:00Procession of town unions and associationsGroups enter in matching cloth behind their banners and are announced from the
stage.
13:30Opening prayer, welcome and kolaThe chair
welcomes guests. Prayers are offered, kola nut is presented and broken, and dignitaries are
recognised.
14:30Iriji ceremony: blessing and breaking of the new yamElders bless the first yam of the harvest, break and taste it, then share it with the
gathering. The eating of new yam is opened.
15:15Cultural dance: women's and youth groupsSet dances from community groups, with drumming from the resident ensemble.
16:00Mmanwu: masquerade displayMasquerade
performance with drummers. Stewards will keep the performance area clear.
17:00Presentations, awards and sponsor recognitionRecognition of sponsors, partners and volunteers, and presentations to guests of
honour.
18:00Live musicLive performance to close the
day, with dancing on the field.
19:30Closing and thanksClosing words, thanks
to volunteers and traders, and safe travel home.