By Esther Onyegbula

Culture and heritage can serve as powerful tools for tourism promotion, economic development and stronger international partnerships, speakers at the Africa Day 2026 Cultural Hangout Festival have said.

The festival, held at the Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre on Saturday, brought together speakers, artists, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders from Africa and the United Kingdom to explore the role of culture in community development, tourism and cross-border collaboration.

Organised by Aihawu Victor, Founder and CEO of the Cultural Hangout Festival, the event provided a platform for discussions on how cultural assets can be leveraged to drive destination promotion and create economic opportunities for communities.

Welcoming participants, Victor emphasised the need to preserve cultural identity while creating pathways for future generations.

“We often celebrate culture through food, fashion, and entertainment, but culture is also a powerful tool for education, tourism, business, and community development,” he said.

A major highlight of the festival was a panel discussion featuring speakers from Nigeria and the United Kingdom who shared insights on tourism development, cultural preservation and international cooperation.

Representing Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Ms. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, Council Manager, delivered a presentation on “Tourism as a Tool for Local Economic Development.”

Drawing from the experiences of Badagry, renowned for its historical significance and rich cultural heritage, she explained how communities can unlock economic opportunities through the preservation and promotion of heritage sites and cultural assets.

She noted that sustainable tourism development can stimulate local economies, attract investment and create employment opportunities for residents when properly managed.

Also speaking at the event, Careen Joseph examined opportunities for collaboration between African and UK destinations, highlighting the benefits of cultural partnerships, tourism exchanges and joint initiatives.

According to her, stronger cooperation between destinations on both sides can foster deeper cultural understanding while creating new opportunities for economic and social development.

Victor, in a separate presentation titled “The Role of Culture and Heritage in Destination Promotion,” urged participants to view cultural heritage not merely as a reflection of the past but as a valuable resource capable of driving education, tourism and enterprise.

Beyond the discussion sessions, participants were treated to live music, drumming performances, instrumental displays and cultural showcases that reflected the diversity and creativity of the African continent.

Creative entrepreneurs and businesses also exhibited their products and services, providing networking opportunities and encouraging conversations around innovation, enterprise and cultural exchange.

Performing artists added colour and excitement to the festival through musical performances, storytelling and cultural presentations that brought attendees together in celebration of shared heritage.

Many participants described the gathering as more than a cultural celebration, saying it offered opportunities to reconnect with their roots, establish new relationships and explore ideas for future collaborations and projects.

The festival received support from partners including CareersBar, Reftop Homes Ltd, and the Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID).

As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of cultural collaboration between Africa and the United Kingdom, leaving with new contacts, fresh perspectives and renewed appreciation for the role of culture in fostering unity across borders.

Organisers said the Cultural Hangout Festival would continue to serve as a platform connecting culture with education, tourism, enterprise and community development while creating opportunities for heritage preservation and sustainable growth.