Festival filled with pride

FRIENDSHIPS were forged and cultures shared as Townsville locals got a little taste of Africa at an annual local festival.

More than 3000 people attended the eighth Townsville Africa Day Festival held at Riverway Park, Thurwingowa, on Saturday.

Featuring local cuisine, dances and music, event organiser Tom Phiri said the festival was so successful vendors sold out of food.

“The food ran out and we still had people wanting more, which was great to see,” he said.

“It was the biggest and best festival the Spirit of Africa Townsville community group has ever put together … and I want to thank all the people who worked behind the scenes and on the committee to make it a success.”

Mr Phiri said the festival was designed to share the different cultures and traditions of the 54 African nations.

“When you talk to an Australian usually the only thing they really know about Africa is the animals,” he said.

Mr Phiri said he wanted to show people that Africa was more than droughts and war.

“We have some people in Townsville who have come here for work, some who have come here as refugees.

“They come into this community and want to share their culture so people can better understand.”

Mr Phiri said he hoped to make next year’s festival even bigger.

INSPIRING HERITAGE: Nadine Bayley with son Titus, 11 months, of Bohle Plains at the Townsville Africa Day Festival.

Mama Kaba with Archa Kerta, 1, of Mt Louisa.

Dorcus Jabari of Burdell ( left) and Kedi Matsela of Cairns.

Thandi Samuriwo, 7, performs for the crowd.

Todd Kimmorley of Currajong tries some headwear.

Ellen Moyo of Alice River with Lemuel Jasi, 11, of North Shore.

From left, Mitchelle Phiri, Nontando Sibanda, Shantelle Phiri and Josphina Phiri join in the celebrations.