Passers-by enjoying an evening stroll in Caledonian Park were left started as they came face-to-face with fierce, and somewhat vibrant, lions on Sunday.

Fears quickly turned to cheers, however, as they realized that far from being man-eating beasts, they were Simba dancers celebrating the cultures of Africa as part of the fifth annual SeneGambian Masquerade Festival.

The spectacular family-friendly carnival, organized by Yaram Arts and part-funded by Islington Council, showcased medieval West African arts, drawing influences from Wolof, Mandingka and Yoruba-Krio cultures- tribes found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Organiser Njok Malik was delighted to see so many new faces join in the festivities. “There were also at least 2,000 people who came along,” he said. “It was great to have such a good mix of people. You could see they were all having a really good time.”

Published on Friday, 29 August 2014 – Islington Tribune

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