Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has launched a nationwide programme of events to mark Africa Day 2018, supported by Irish Aid.

These will include a flagship family day in the grounds of Farmleigh Estate in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Sunday 27 May, as well as regional events in Cork, Galway, Meath, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.

This year’s Africa Day Dublin event will feature three stages of live music, with performances by well-known African and Irish musicians, traditional African drumming and dance workshops and cultural performances.

The flagship event will also feature an African bazaar showcasing food, hair braiding and traditional fashion designs from various African countries, and a dedicated children’s area, ‘Mount Kiddimanjaro’.

A special emphasis will be placed on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the simple ways attendees can contribute to their achievement.

Across the country, a diverse programme of events will take place. Highlights include:

Family celebrations in Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork on Saturday 26 May

11th Annual Galway African Film Festival at the Bank of Ireland Theatre. NUI Galway, 26-27 May

Family fun day in Castle Park, Kilkenny on Sunday 3 June

World recipe exchange in City Hall, Limerick on Monday 21 May

‘Red carpet’ African fashion show in Meath County Council Offices, Navan on Friday 25 May

‘Africa through the Senses: The Sights of Africa’ in Waterford Cultural Quarter on Friday 15 June

Celebration of African cuisine and culture in Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford on Friday 25 May

Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste said: “The volume and variety of events taking place across the country for Africa Day 2018 reflects the depth and breadth of Ireland’s relationship with many African countries … I would encourage people around the country to engage with the Africa Day celebrations and to experience the cultures of the vibrant communities that have become part of Irish society.”

The programme of Africa Day events in Ireland is coordinated and supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For more information visit www.africaday.ie.