About the Festival
The Somali Week Festival (SWF) is an annual celebration that coincides with the United Kingdom’s Black History Month. Taking place from Friday, 18th October to Sunday, 27th October 2024, the festival will be held across various venues in London. As the largest Somali cultural festival outside the Horn of Africa, SWF brings together a diverse array of Somali artists, academics, and influencers from the Somali region and the wider diaspora. The festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Somalia through a blend of literary, musical, and theatrical performances, alongside discussions on critical social issues.
Launch Event
The festival kicks off on Friday, 18th October 2024, at the British Library from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This year’s launch will feature an engaging conversation with Dr. Sada Mire, a renowned Swedish-Somali archaeologist and art historian. Dr. Mire will discuss the impact of climate change on Somali heritage, a pressing issue affecting communities both in Somalia and the diaspora. The event will also include a presentation on sustainable technologies, a debate on wellbeing, and a live musical performance by the legendary Dur-Dur Band, one of the most iconic Somali musical groups.
Theme: Creative Worlds and the Environment
The 2024 theme, Creative Worlds and the Environment, explores the powerful intersection between art and environmental issues. This year, SWF will delve into how traditional and contemporary Somali art forms, such as poetry, music, and visual arts, reflect on environmental challenges. The environment has always been a strong presence in Somali art, influencing everything from folklore to modern artistic expressions. The festival will highlight works that address themes of climate change, sustainability, and the urgent need to protect our natural world, making the arts a platform for environmental activism and awareness.
Event Highlights
Throughout the week, attendees can look forward to a diverse program of events including panel discussions, film screenings, and workshops. Highlights include:
- Film Premiere of "Amina": A gripping story of a Somali MMA fighter, directed by Swedish-Somali filmmaker Ahmed Abdullahi.
- Children’s Entertainment: Family-friendly storytelling, film, and educational activities aimed at celebrating Somali culture among younger audiences.
- Community Champions Panel: A motivational discussion highlighting the achievements of inspiring Somali community leaders.
- Book Launches: Featuring authors from the Somali diaspora, showcasing new works that explore themes of migration, identity, and resilience.
Join Us
SWF 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Somali culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time attendee or experiencing the festival for the first time, there is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant showcase of art, culture, and dialogue, and to joining forces in raising awareness of environmental and social issues through the powerful lens of Somali artistic expression.
