Forget Your Passport.

This summer, you can forget your passport. From July 7th to 10th, You could have been halfway across the world right in the center of London.

Exotic delicacies from around the corner, exuberant laughter and colorfully dressed crowds are just a small glimpse at this year’s annual TD Sunfest. For its 22nd year, “Afrikalia: African Heart Beats” was the vibrant focus. An opportunity for talented artists and musicians of Africa and its surrounding Diasporas showcasing their culture. Xylophones and drums echoed across the numerous stages while across the green lawns, others danced, laughed and bought pieces from over 300 stalls that transformed Victoria Park from July 7th to the 10th.

For years, African Music has left an imprint in the world, from influencing reggae, hip-hop and samba to preserving Indigenous musical and dance traditions. Africa has a rich culture that allows Londoners to educate themselves and immerse in something refreshingly new. While diversity is something we as a community always encourage, London does have its fair share of discrimination, the perfect reason to involve people in culturally inclusive social events and hey, have a little fun.

As a long time attendant of most festivals that take place in London, I was present at this year’s Sunfest and it was perhaps one of my favourite to date. Besides the perfect opportunities to take a picture, try new foods and expand a carefully curated bohemian closet, Sunfest offers something for the most pickiest of event goers. Or maybe it’s just a perfect excuse to #GetDTL and appreciate what London has to offer. Either way, Sunfest caters to everyone maybe that is why everyone enjoys it so much. Your experience is what you choose to make it, whether that entails hunting down the set-list and jamming out to the beats of African pride or buying handcrafted vintage goods.

Sunfest encourages, introduces, and appreciates people, religions, faiths and groups from all walks of life and celebrates them. International and mouth watering cuisine, from classic funnel cakes to rich-in-flavour street sandwiches. Maybe it is the local art or the unique handbags, jewelry and specialty items you can only find at Sunfest or maybe it’s just the great vibe for the perfect Instagram shots. Whatever it is, it’s definitely something people have been coming back to year and year again, and this year was no different with over 4000 people attending.

Sunfest has always been one of my favourite events. With over 200 volunteers, it is an event that gives Londoners an opportunity to get involved in something and more importantly, give youth the ability to thrive. It tells them that their background is worth being appreciated and that the city gives its residents an open and welcoming space to share their cultures, and nationalities. London is small, yes. But as William Shakespeare said, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” And there’s nothing fiercer than a city that loves all of its people.