THE STORY

COLOMBIA INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL UK 50 is a community-led event celebrating Colombian culture in London, as part of the Colombian Independence Day celebrations taking place in  around 20th July every year. The festival will honour and highlight the 50-year history, development, and contribution of this community to London's cultural fabric.

                                                                               
In the very early 1970's, young Colombian immigrants arrived in the UK laying the seeds and the foundations for what is now a very large hard-working and thriving community in London. These pioneering immigrants have become important agents and contributors to the formation of a Latin American identity and to the dissemination of Latin American culture in London and the UK.

 The festival will not only showcase and display different artistic and cultural manifestations of Colombian culture featuring both visiting and local artists to showcase their talents; it will also give recognition to the achievements of Colombians from the community who are acting as role models for the younger generation.  

The festival programme will have a wide range of events – including independent films about music, history and culture, as well as environmental issues in Colombia. There will also be talks and discussions, music and dance workshops for all ages, an exhibition of works by Colombian artists residing in London, Vinyl Record Collectors from the community and two explosive nights of music, dance and DJs featuring some of the best Colombian talent from London and some special international guests all the way from Colombia. The festival will run at different venues in London, dates and venues to be confirmed.             

Finally, as part of our commitment to supporting charity projects in Colombia, we have chosen to partner with The Tairona Heritage Trust, who work to help protect indigenous communities and culture in the Sierra Nevada, Colombia. We will be supporting them by donating a percentage of our ticket sales from the closing party, as well as encouraging everyone who attends our free events to make a small donation.