Beach carnival to celebrate Nigerian community

A large group of people stand in a line and smile at the camera on Felixstowe Beach.Image source, Contributed
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Nigerians in Ipswich Community group will host its second annual Felixstowe beach carnival

  • Published

A beach carnival will bring together hundreds of people to celebrate their Nigerian heritage.

The Nigerians in Ipswich Community group will host its second annual carnival at Felixstowe beach on Saturday from 10:00 BST to 18:00.

Last year's event drew 300 attendees, with more expected this year.

Dennis Akingbesote set up the community group in November 2023, and said it allowed Nigerians to integrate and come together to celebrate their heritage.

Tens of people gather on a beach during an event.Image source, Contributed
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Hundreds of people are expected to attend the carnival on Felixstowe beach

"We put it upon ourselves to create a platform where we can integrate ourselves. As a people we can come together as a community with common understanding and create a platform where people can get settled," he added.

"We've been through the struggle of trying to migrate and, plus, if you get to a new environment and get to know people from where you are, [they] can help you settle you in the community."

Dennis Akingbesote smiles at the camera. He has dark hair and wears a black jumper.Image source, Angelle Joseph/BBC
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Dennis Akingbesote says the community group helped Nigerians integrate into Ipswich

Nigerians in Ipswich Community has a WhatsApp group with over 890 members where they can seek help and support from others in Ipswich.

"It's been a blessing," Mr Akingbesote said.

"We always want to come together, see people, talk to people, speak your language with them.

"We are here to help everyone settle, we here to contribute positively to the Suffolk county as a host community for Nigerians.

"We keep raising the bar and we keep representing."

People talk and enjoy time on Felixstowe beach. Image source, Contributed
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The carnival will feature several musical acts and have games and events

Mr Akingbesote said the beach carnival was a family-friendly event and open to everyone.

"We're going to do a lot of games - tug of war, egg race, sack race, dance competitions, food eating competitions, drink competitions - a lot of stuff that day.

"For people who like to play chess or play scrabble, we will have table games.

"We will have couples dance competitions to make it fun, and as well we've got music and our DJ live there."

There will also be an after party held from 22:00 BST to 03:00 at Murrayside Community Centre in Nacton Road, Ipswich.

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