THE ANNUAL Sierra Leone Arts & Culture festival (#SLACfest) will return for the third time this October.

The showcase, exhibition and cultural exchange, which attracted the attention of over 200 people last year, will be bigger and better than ever, organisers have said, thanks to its growing popularity as an event that inspires second and third generation Sierra Leoneans to pursue careers in the arts – something that has been frowned upon by elders.

This year’s event will feature keynote speakers from the community who are striving at changing the perception and narrative of this small country once described as the Athens of West Africa, and more of everything that has made #SLACfest the event that many have come to love.

Alongside #SLACfest’s usual array of photo and illustration exhibitions, those who attend can expect pictures to come to life thanks to augmented reality technology that tells the story behind the images.

The day will consist of a snack taster session, talks and presentations, film screenings, a health and wellbeing workshop, and a flagship exhibition. This year, the exhibition is not limited to just photography and illustration, but also a literary wall showcasing proverbs, parables, poems and other literature by Sierra Leoneans all around the world, both in English and Krio.

Can’t speak/read Krio? Fear not, the event includes a 20 minute introduction to the language and a further optional 35 minutes breakout session if you require further learning.

Sierra Leone-influenced food can also be purchased on the day from a range of specially selected food vendors.

The latter part of the day will feature an “in conversation” segment with young Sierra Leoneans talking about their experiences growing up as part of the diaspora. The show will then close with live entertainment from a selection of writers, poets, and musicians, headlined by Asabi Hawah and HBOSS.

There will also be chances to win goodies in our raffle with proceeds going to #SLACfest’s partnered grassroots charity.

#SLACfest is the brainchild of a group of young British-Sierra Leoneans who came together in response to the tragic mudslide that occurred in Freetown on August 14 2017.

For more info on #SLACfest, visit www.YoungSL.com