Somali Week Festival 2025
Resonate! Sounds of the Past, Voices of the Future
Every autumn, the Somali Week Festival (SWF) brings a vibrant showcase of Somali music, theatre, film, and community spirit to London. Scheduled from 16th to 26th October 2025, SWF marks its seventeenth edition—featuring a more expansive and dynamic program than ever before. This year’s theme, “Resonate! Sounds of the Past, Voices of the Future,” honours the rich artistic heritage of Somalia while pushing these traditions forward into modern expressions.
Over the eleven days of the festival, a diverse array of events will celebrate the creativity of the Somali diaspora.
Attendees can look forward to film premieres, such as Mo Harawe’s poignant “The Village Next to Paradise,” which delves into the challenges of rural existence amid global influences, followed by a special Q&A session with the director.
The theatrical offerings will include family dramas that tackle mental health issues and comedic performances designed to entertain and bring people together.
One of the most beloved aspects of SWF remains the musical experiences that bookend the festival. From the opening celebration, where sound archive curators discuss the timeless quality of Somali songs, to the final concert that brings together star performers like Haboon Nuura and Saalax Sanaag, SWF pulses with life, colour, and the collective resonance of countless stories told in harmony.
Whether you come to discover emerging British-Somali voices or to revel in classic hits that evoke memories of the “Golden Era,” there’s a place for everyone at SWF 2025.
Join us this October to celebrate Somali art in its many forms—whether that’s through poetry, film, music, or the simple act of shared conversation. Let’s reflect on how the sounds of the past still resonate today, while amplifying the fresh voices shaping tomorrow’s culture.
The journey is ours to navigate, and we can’t wait for you to add your voice to the tapestry of Somali Week Festival 2025.
