African Cultural Events
We create and support cultural events that bring people together to celebrate African heritage and contemporary culture — from festivals and celebrations to community gatherings in welcoming, engaging spaces.
African Cultural Hub · Canterbury, Kent
Bringing people together through culture, connection & community
Collective Roots CIC is an African cultural hub bringing people together through events, arts, heritage, food, music, storytelling and shared community experiences.
Our Roots
Creating space for culture, connection and community
Collective Roots CIC is an African cultural hub based in Canterbury, Kent, created to celebrate African culture and build meaningful connections within the local community.
We believe culture brings people together. Our work creates opportunities for people of African heritage to learn, connect and celebrate their roots — while inviting the wider community to discover, experience and engage with the many cultures, traditions and contemporary expressions of Africa.
Through cultural events, workshops, performances, community gatherings and creative projects, we bring African heritage and contemporary African culture into shared spaces where everyone is welcome.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple: to create a thriving space where African culture is celebrated, shared and experienced by everyone. We create experiences that are welcoming, inspiring and inclusive — for all backgrounds and generations.
Why It Matters
We believe culture connects generations, strengthens communities and creates a shared sense of belonging — contributing to a vibrant, connected community in Canterbury and across Kent.
Our Mission
What we set out to do
- Celebrate the diversity of African cultures and heritage.
- Create opportunities for communities to connect and build relationships.
- Support African and African-diaspora artists, creatives and cultural practitioners.
- Introduce people to African music, food, art, stories and traditions.
- Create inclusive cultural experiences for people of all backgrounds and generations.
- Contribute to a vibrant and connected community in Canterbury and across Kent.
What We Do
Culture experienced in every form
Our programme spans events, arts, music, food, heritage and community — creating shared spaces where everyone is welcome.
Arts & Creativity
We work with artists and creatives to showcase African creativity through visual arts, dance, performance, fashion, crafts, photography and other creative forms.
Music & Performance
Music and performance are at the heart of cultural expression. We create opportunities for musicians, dancers, performers and storytellers to share their talents with the community.
Food & Culture
Food connects people across generations and cultures. We celebrate African food and the stories, traditions and communities behind it through food experiences, demonstrations and events.
Heritage & Storytelling
We create opportunities to share stories, histories, traditions and experiences, helping people learn about the diverse cultures and heritage of Africa and its diaspora.
Community Experiences
Our work is ultimately about people. We create spaces where individuals, families, community groups, creatives and organisations can meet, participate and build connections.
Projects & Events
A growing programme of cultural celebration
Flagship FestivalAfro KANTAB Festival
Our first major cultural celebration — our inaugural festival celebrating African culture, creativity, music, food and community in Canterbury.
In summer 2026, Collective Roots CIC launched Afro KANTAB Festival, bringing together artists, performers, food vendors, creatives and the wider community for a celebration of African culture.
Community & Cultural Projects
Creating opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate — from workshops and performances to creative collaborations across Canterbury and Kent.
What's Next
Discover upcoming Collective Roots projects and events. We're always building our programme — join our newsletter to be the first to hear what's coming.
Collaborate With Us
Partner with Collective Roots
We're always interested in working with artists, organisations, community groups and cultural practitioners.
We're building a cultural platform in Canterbury and Kent, and welcome organisations that want to support, fund, host or collaborate on meaningful cultural and community projects.
Volunteer
Become a partner
Work with us
Sponsor a project
Host an event
Donate
Our Partners & Supporters
We're proud to work alongside organisations, funders and community groups who help make our work possible. Interested in supporting us? Become a partner.
- Partner One
- Partner Two
- Partner Three
- Partner Four
- Partner Five
Contact
Let's Connect
Whether you'd like to attend an event, collaborate with us, volunteer, partner with Collective Roots or simply find out more — we'd love to hear from you.
Join our newsletter
Be the first to hear about upcoming events and projects.