African culture will be on display this weekend with the first edition of the Bantu Market.
Set to become a quarterly attraction, the market will provide the opportunity to experience African culture and support African businesses within the Geelong and Victorian community.
Organiser Ngoni Kwashi said he hoped the market would add another element to Geelong’s calendar of events.
“We want to add to Geelong’s calendar and provide a family-friendly place for people to come and experience African culture and support our African community,” he said.
“We have a large African community here in Geelong, and this is an opportunity to come together and [make new] connections.
“It’s the migrant way to come to Australia and work hard, so we want to have something for everyone to come together and enjoy, especially after the past year.
“Even just through putting the market together, I’ve met so many new people, so it’s a great way to meet other people in the community.”
Mr Kwashi said the market was originally planned for last October but had been pushed back because of the pandemic.
“Some people are still reluctant to go to things like this, but we’re hoping to see people come out and have fun in a safe way,” he said.
“This is the first time we’ve done this here in Geelong, but we definitely want this to become a regular thing we do quarterly.”
He said there would be a focus on food, with many different African cuisines represented, as well as stalls by mostly local African businesses.
He said there was also entertainment for children, drum and dancing performances and live music from eight-piece band Ausecuma Beats.
The market will be held at the Barwon valley Activity Centre in Belmont from noon to 6pm Saturday January 22.
Entry is $2.
