A carnival to celebrate African culture in the region will be held later this month.

The North East of England African Community Association (NEEACA) annual NEEACA showcase event takes place in Newcastle Civic Centre on Saturday, April 24.

The afternoon will feature a traditional Libation to gain a spiritual blessing for the event, music and dance from youth groups and an African fashion show.

The family festival will also offer drumming and dance workshops.

The evening will feature performances by African artists Osibisa and drumming group, Bleoo. There will also be a chance to sample traditional African cuisine and watch a short play from the NEEACA youth drama group about the ceremonial practices of a ethnic marriage and the naming of a newborn baby.

The event aims to raise awareness of African heritage, to promote African artists and to help people understand each other's habitual backgrounds.

Tony Suadwa chairman of NEEACA, said: "We are hoping our event will bring Africa into the hearts of the North-East people and to show the way forward by promoting cultural diversity through the merits of arts and culture."

Paul Collard, creative director of culture10 at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which is backing the event, said: "Culture and heritage is at the heart of the regeneration of NewcastleGateshead and the wider region.

"As a cosmopolitan city that embraces a range of different cultures, it is important to celebrate this diversity and learn more about the mix of people who are visiting the area and choosing it as a place to live, work and play."

Admission is £7, £2 for children and free for NEEACA members. For further details, contact 0191-268 2757.