🗓️ Sat 18 & Sun 19th October 2025 | All Day Events
📍 Oxford House

Make a weekend of it. Start Friday 17 Oct at the British Library for the official launch of Somali Week 2025, where artists and thinkers set the tone for this year’s theme, Resonate! Sounds of the Past, Voices of the Future. It’s a warm, high-energy opener that’s perfect for families and first-timers.

On Saturday 18 Oct, Oxford House turns into a family hub with Galool’s storytelling and kids’ activities, artist talks, and bite-size sessions on business and AI.

In the evening, choose the live Abti Podcast or a stand-up showcase, and don’t miss the priority screening of The Village Next to Paradise at the Kiln with a Q&A. Sunday 19 Oct rounds things off with the premiere of Crush and Somali Book Day with stalls and signings. Ready to plan your weekend?

Read more for the full schedule, venues, and tickets.

🗓️ Fri 17 Oct 2025, 6:00–9:00 pm

📍 The British Library, London

An opening night conversation on how music, poetry, and oral storytelling continue to shape Somali culture today. Featuring Warda Mohamed, Aar Maanta, Abdirahman Nasri and Dr Christina Woolner, hosted by Hashi Mohamed.

🗓️ October 2025
📍 Multiple venues across London

Stories from the Horn. Voices in the City.

Our flagship festival returns – bigger, louder, more soulful. Somali Week is a celebration of language, poetry, film, theatre, and heritage. A place where diaspora stories take centre stage. From live music to literature, don’t miss this week-long journey into the heart of Somali creativity.

We pay homage to the sounds of the past, explore how they shape our present, and amplify the voices creating tomorrow.

📅 Sat 18 Oct 2025

🕕 7:00–9:30 pm

📍 Kiln Theatre

A must-see for film lovers and anyone interested in Somali stories on screen.
Experience Mo Harawe’s acclaimed feature debut — a moving, visually stunning story about family, resilience, and hope, set on Somalia’s coast.

After the screening, stay for a Q&A with executive producer Ahmed Farah.

This is a unique chance to catch a landmark film that’s making waves internationally, right here at Somali Week.

🗓️ Sun 19 Oct 2025, 6:00–10:00 pm
📍 Oxford House

The UK’s biggest Somali book fair is back.
Meet authors, discover new voices, and pick up books in Somali and English. With readings, signings, and stalls all evening, this is a must for readers, writers, and anyone interested in Somali literature. Come find your next favourite book — and maybe even meet the person who wrote it.

🗓️ Saturday, 25 October 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
📍Oxford House | £10 | English

Uncover the stories of Somali Londoners in this moving documentary.

Untold Stories Part 2 shines a spotlight on the Somali community in Tower Hamlets, following journeys across generations. After the screening, join a discussion with director Suher Sofi and community members featured in the film.

This is an evening of real stories, honest conversations, and shared experience — for anyone who values the power of community and memory.

🗓️ Friday, 12 September 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Oxford House | £10

A creative evening that celebrates identity, imagination, and Somali heritage.

Join multidisciplinary artist Awo Abdi as she opens the door to her creative world — from digital art and architecture to deeply personal reflections on Somali identity.

This is more than just an artist’s talk: it’s a space to connect, ask questions, and get inspired by stories of heritage, memory, and finding your place in the world. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, come ready for conversation and surprise.

🗓️ Sunday, 26 October 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
📍Queen Mary University | £20 | Somali

The grand finale of Somali Week. A tribute, a homecoming, and a true celebration.
Close out the festival in style with a concert that’s all about music, memory, and honouring icons. Enjoy a stellar lineup including Hibo Nuura, Aar Maanta, Farxiya Kaboyare, Nimco Yasin, Lafoole, Abdirahman Nasri, and surprise guests — in a night packed with unforgettable performances.

This year, we pay special tribute to Hibo Nuura, a living legend whose music has been the heartbeat of Somali culture for decades. She’ll be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and you’ll get to experience her songs live, surrounded by a crowd that truly appreciates her legacy.

If you go to one Somali concert this year, make it this one. Come ready to dance, remember, and celebrate.