AfroFest aims to 'break down barriers' to theatre

A new festival aims to create a "safe space" to encourage people with African or Caribbean heritage to visit the theatre.

Singer Banke Naya, also known as Banke Adetumbi, set up AfroFest to celebrate the food, music, art and fashion of those communities.

"It is important because it creates a bridge; it's an opportunity for African, Caribbean and black communities to see themselves reflected in the theatre," she said.

The free event will take place at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton on 11 September.

The Nigerian performer said: "[AfroFest] is something I wanted to introduce because I felt like it was lacking. This is just a way of bringing everyone together in one space."

Naya told BBC Radio Northampton that a large number of Nigerian people she knows in the town had not been to the Royal & Derngate since their graduation ceremonies were held there.

"I'm trying to break that barrier... I want people to experience the theatre in a different way, not just to come and get your certificate," she said.

Naya said she wanted the venue to feel like a "safe space".

Local businesses and charities have partnered with Naya to put the event together.

Naya said the festival was for everybody, particularly if they "love art, if you love music and love being in a creative space".

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