The story of BATUKE! Festival
The Batuke! Festival started out of our passion for the music and dance of Afro - Portuguese countries. We realised that there is a special rapport and connection between all the Portuguese speaking countries, a recognition of common experiences through music and dance. In 2010, when we started there was no platform in the UK where Afro - Portuguese artists were represented, the community could experience their culture in a professional space, young and old, and share their common heritage. So, we decided to just go ahead and do it ourselves! We self produced initially through our regular events. It was very risky, but we believed in it so we made it work! The team derived from Iris De Brito social dance school at the time - Studio Afro Latino. Roles were delegated, artists contacted, plenty of volunteering support and voila! We became the go - to festival in the UK representing Afro-Portuguese culture, created a space for artistic development, cultural exchange and research. Guest artists came from the USA, France, Senegal, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and the UK. We were founded by the Arts Council for 5 years and developed creative partnerships.
In 2019 we achieved a fantastic milestone with our 10th Anniversary and decided to have a break.
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We are now looking towards developing a new event, investing in organisational development and research. Make sure you continue to follow us and connect with us through Afro - Portuguese culture!
Carnival Pass LIMITED NUMBER
DATES : Monday 26th August 2019
The BATUKE! Team is the only Afro - Portuguese group in the Carnival. We are known to be energetic and ready with our coordinated choreography.
Make sure you get your costume (Limited) and learn the routines!
BATUKE! 2019 CARNIVAL PASS INCLUDES:
> Memories 4 life, parading inside world's 2nd largest carnival
> Access to BATUKE! sound system, truck + double decker bus
> BATUKE! 2019 official t-shirt
> Security team
> We provide water and small snacks.
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THINGS WE ADVISE YOU TO DO:
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> Bring as little as possible with you. Debit/Credit card + cash for the day and anything else you can't do without.
> Avoid carrying a backpack. Keep your bag small and practical
> Wear comfortable shoes preferably
> Do not feel intimidated when other carnival revellers come through the group, It's all part of Carnival fun!
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BATUKE TEAM leaves the parade around 4pm. If you want to follow us please listen out for the announcements.
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LIMITED NUMBER OF CARNIVAL PASSES - LAST CHANCE TICKET ONLINE!