Dublin Castle set for carnival atmosphere on Africa Day

Ugandan drummers, Kenyan acrobats and Congolese folk singers will feature in Africa Day at Dublin Castle this weekend.

Music acts performing for free at Dublin castle on Sunday include Kila, Mundy, Sinead O'Connor and Republic of Loose.

The event is the culmination of dozens of cultural activities across 21 counties celebrating the social and cultural diversity of the continent.

Africa Day, run by Irish Aid, embraces Ireland's black community and the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

A packed schedule includes Ugandan drumming, traditional Nigerian dance, Congolese folk singing, Kenyan acrobats and several gospel choirs.

Literary workshops, photography exhibitions and displays of African crafts will also feature in the day-long event.

This weekend, the Irish Film Institute in Dublin will also screen a selection of African films while the Irish Writers Centre will host readings and workshops with leading authors from the continent.

NUI Galway will feature dance, fashion and storytelling for all ages.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said: "We join Africans in celebrating African culture, diversity, traditions and society.

"This is a great opportunity for us to look again at Africa and our perceptions of the continent.

"Irish Aid is proud to support events marking Africa Day in Ireland. Over 80% of Ireland's aid supports development in Africa."