THOUSANDS of Nigerians gathered at the Jubilee Park in Edmonton in north London yesterday to celebrate the 2015 Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in what was a rich display of African tradition. 

Showcasing Igbo culture in all its richness, the event featured music, traditional dances, Egwugwu masquerades, drama presentations and citations. Guests were treated to an array of African foods, including traditional African delicacies, with renditions of classic Igbo songs from the likes of the Oriental Brothers, Nico Mbarga, Sir Warrior, Osia Osadebey and Oliver De Coque. 

Among the prominent guests that attended the event were Councillor Patricia Ekechi and Councillor Sade Etti, the mayors of Enfield and Hackney respectively. Several former mayors including Kate Anolue from Enfield and Anna Mbachu from Waltham Forest were also in attendance. 

During the event, books were also presented highlighting rich Igbo culture and history and representatives from the various communities gave speeches detailing their history and past. There were representatives from Nigeria's six Igbo-speaking states, with all the disparate communities manning stalls that showcased their cuisine and culture.

Alex Achebe, the first vice chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and Godson Azu, the secretary of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation were also present, representing community organisations. A fundraising appeal was also held to raise money for future events.