The Igbo Cultural Support Network (ICSN) proudly presents the 10th Annual Iri-ji (New Yam) Festival & 15th Year Anniversary Celebration at the Petchey Academy in Hackney.

This event will be a wonderful celebration of the most beautiful aspects of our rich Igbo heritage and culture.

The Iri-ji (New Yam) festival is the celebration of the culmination of a work cycle and the beginning of another. It is a time of thanksgiving to God for making the farm yields possible and praying for good yields next planting season.

It is one of the most significant festivals amongst the Igbo tribe in Nigeria and is celebrated in all corners of the globe.

Highlights of the events includes:

- A variety of delicious African foods will be served – Rice, Yam, Meat and Fish dishes will be served.

- Yam auctions, masquerades and cultural presentations to capture the essence of the festival

- Performance by Egwu Oganiru (ICSN Dance Troop)

- Performance from Chuka Royalty (Hiphop/Gospel/ Afrobeat)

- Live music throughout the night by Kelechi Ify and dance until the early hours.

- DJ Ify playing the finest in Afrobeats, RnB,, Funky House and Hip Hop.

DRESS CODE: ALL GUEST ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR TRADITIONAL ATTIRE.

This much anticipated event has been run successfully for the past 9 years. Last years event attracted over 500 attendees. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever!!

WHAT IS IRI-JI ABOUT?

Yam is the most important food crop in Igboland. Evidence of this is borne by the cultural significance attached to Iri-ji in Igbo land.

The traditional Igbo society is mainly agrarian. Emphasis is placed on farming and the cultivation of sufficient food to last until the next food harvest. Special emphasis is placed on yam cultivation. The traditional Igbo man takes pride in showing off his yam barn neatly stacked with yam tubers from top to bottom. It signifies wealth and success.

In the days of old, a common question asked by a bride’s father when a young man signifies his intention to marry his daughter is “how big is your yam barn”? A big yam barn means the man is hardworking and can take care of his daughter.

The Iri-ji (New Yam) Festival was described by Odumegwu- Ojukwu (erstwhile Biafran Leader) as the “culmination of a work cycle and the beginning of another.” It is a time of thanksgiving to God for making the farm yields possible and praying for good yields next planting season.

The Iri-ji festival is celebrated at different times within the various Igbo communities, varying from August until October every year.

Date: Saturday 19th October

Venue: Petchey Academy, Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, London E8 2EY

Time: 6pm - Late

Cost: £15 (in advance) / £20 (On the door)

Nearest Tube: Dalston Kingsland & Dalston Junction (London Overground)

Nearest British Rail: Rectory Road, Hackney Downs

Buses: 67, 76, 149, 243

THIS EVENT IS IN HIGH DEMAND SO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT...THIS EVENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE HERE www.icsn.co.uk/icsn-iri-ji-new-yam-festival-15-years-anniversary

Sponsors;

IQ Express: www.iqexpress.co.uk
Africa X5 TV: [url]www.africax5.tv [/url]
Kato Enterprises: [url]www.katoenterprises.co.uk [/url]
M3 Cosmetics: [url]www.m3cosmetics.com [/url]
Indomie: www.indomie.co.uk

Find out more about the Igbo Cultural Support Network via the following links;

Contact Number: 07938232526
Email: [url]admin@icsn.co.uk [/url]
Website: [url]www.icsn.co.uk [/url]
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