The Ndi Igbo Basingstoke community recently celebrated its annual New Yam Festival, a tradition marking the start of the new yam season.

This occurred at Blue Coat School, previously Aldworth School, in Basingstoke on August 17. Many traditional Igbo cultural activities were showcased, offering insight into the community's rich heritage.

Attendees, including Basingstoke and Deane's Mayor, Cllr Dan Putty, had the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of traditional dishes made from the freshly harvested yams. The Mayor praised the Igbo community's contributions to the local landscape, underlining the significance of cultural diversity.

Traditional dances, music, storytelling performances enriched the atmosphere and festival's reputation as an Igbo calendar's highlight. Intramural Igbo dances and performances further immersed attendees in the community's traditions, rounding off the day with a feast of various yam dishes.

An essential part of the celebration, the focus on food tradition and cultural performances, taught locals more about their neighbors' background and traditions.

The chairman of Ndi Igbo Basingstoke said: "The new yam festival is not just about celebrating our traditions; it is also an opportunity to share our culture with the wider community and to strengthen our bonds with our friends and neighbours. I am grateful for the support we have received from the mayor and the people of Basingstoke."