Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

With a name as enticing as "Sankofa Sunsplash" it's a music festival promising to be full of colour, rhythm and the spirit of high summer, whatever the weather.

Queens Gardens in Hull is the location for this free event which kicks off at midday on Saturday 28th July and with vibrant music, delicious food and family entertainment on offer, it's certainly getting me in the mood to shake off the summertime blues and get into festival spirit.

Event organisers Lou Howard and Audrey Okyere-Fosu were inspired to put on the event after talking to community members who felt this would be a fantastic way to bring a musical flavour to the Wilberforce celebrations. And what a way to celebrate.

The event will be showcasing some of the big names of African Caribbean music. Lou is particularly enthusiastic about Bristol based performer Netsayi who she describes as "one of the UK's most exciting talents". Also performing is Sierra Leone's biggest female reggae artist Khady Black, renowned for using her music to bring social issues to a wider audience.

Local performers will include a steel band formed by Hull's Trinity House School and the Wilberforce 2007 Samba band featuring students from David Lister School. Both promise to get the crowd on their feet as will Congo based Kasai Masai, a vibrant six piece outfit complete with dancers.

The line up doesn't stop at just music. There will also be African dance and drumming workshops running throughout the one day festival. So make sure you're dressed for action - this isn't going to be your typical Saturday afternoon!

Sankofa Sunsplash gets underway in Hull's Queens Gardens on Saturday 28th July at midday and runs throughout the afternoon until 6.45pm.