The beat of Guinea, the scent of Ethiopian coffee, the laughter of children crafting peace-loving art… Africa Day saw Manchester Museum filled with the celebration of African culture, identity and imagination.

Africa Day, commemorated annually on 25 May, marks the founding of the African Union and is an opportunity for African communities across the world to celebrate unity, heritage and pride. But for the Museum, one day simply wasn’t enough! Across the whole weekend, and into the half-term holiday, visitors were invited to connect, learn, and immerse themselves in the richness and diversity of the continent.

Saturday’s programme was co-curated with Professor Erinma Bell MBE of Carisma. Festivities began with a bang, quite literally, as drummers got the celebrations underway. Throughout the day, the Museum welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors. The Magic Carpet of Sudan and Pambalipe Arts showcased vibrant performances, while the WAST Nightingale Choir sang songs of strength and solidarity.

Visitors got a special close-up look at the Museum’s African collections, including butterflies from Kenya, plants and cultural items from Sierra Leone, and artefacts from Egypt and Sudan, sparking conversations about heritage, connection, and colonial histories.

There were also opportunities to have a go at the art of batik and Gele head wrapping. One of the highlights was the You-Me Dolls. Rooted in African traditions of handmade dolls, this workshop celebrated the diversity of women and girls across the African diaspora. More than just crafting, these dolls are a practice of storytelling, identity, and self-affirmation.

Sunday’s activities, supported by Afrocats, continued the celebration through creative workshops that encouraged movement, expression and play. Across the Museum’s events and activities, more than 100 volunteer hours helped bring the programme to life, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their energy, care, and ongoing support of the Museum’s work.

Africa Day at Manchester Museum was a cultural celebration, at the heart of which is a commitment to inclusion, imagination and care. The week-long programme made space to honour African voices and stories, to build understanding between cultures, and hold joy and reflection side by side. As one visitor put it, “Getting back to our roots. Enthralling. Elevating.”

In a city with deep connections to African histories, from the Pan-African Congress of 1945 to today’s vibrant diaspora, Africa Day at the Museum continues a proud tradition of solidarity, understanding and celebration.