Family Weekend – Somali Week Festival 2025
📅 Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th October
📍 London (Oxford House)
This October, Somali Week Festival brings you a Family Weekend that’s bigger, brighter, and more connected than ever before. Spanning two full days of culture, creativity and community spirit, it’s the perfect way to spend quality time while honouring the stories that shape us.
There’s something for everyone.
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Galool Somali Children’s Entertainment
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Oxford House (Scott Room)
Price: Free
A lively afternoon of storytelling, music, and hands-on activities for kids, led by Somali children’s publisher and entertainer Galool. Fun for all ages — perfect for families wanting to pass on Somali language and culture to the next generation. -
Discussion with Musa M. Isse & Galool
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Oxford House (Theatre)
Price: Free
Hear from leading children’s author Musa M. Isse and publisher Galool, as they talk about the importance of Somali-language books, storytelling, and building cultural connections across generations. -
In Conversation: Awo Abdi & Asma Elmi – Exploring Heritage Through Art
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Oxford House (Cafe/Gallery)
Price: Free
Artists Awo Abdi and Asma Elmi share what drives their work, from bold exhibitions to community projects. A relaxed, insightful chat on art, identity, and the stories we tell through creative practice. -
Tech for Growth: Somali Businesses in Action
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: £10
Explore how Somali entrepreneurs are using technology to grow businesses, connect communities, and create new opportunities. Featuring panelists from Somalis in Tech and Bridge The Gap In Tech, plus a showcase of inspiring local ventures. -
Generative AI and the Somali Language
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: £5
A fascinating look at how AI is changing the Somali language, culture, and digital rights. With experts from King’s College London, Somali Language Academy, and Jaantus, plus a demo of new Somali-language digital tools. -
Abti Podcast: A Conversation with Ali Naji
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: £5
Join the team behind Abti Podcast for a live conversation with Ali Naji about Somali Funky Music, cultural storytelling, and the global Somali experience. -
A Night of Live Comedy: Laughter, Stories, and Good Vibes
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: £10
Laugh out loud with a stellar lineup of Somali comedians, including Adan Abdi and Prince Abdi. The perfect Saturday night for anyone who loves smart, relatable comedy and great company. -
New Directions in Somali Theatre: Panel
Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025 | Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: Free
Writers and directors discuss the new wave of Somali theatre — from tackling contemporary themes to honouring storytelling traditions. -
Somali Book Day
Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025 | Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Oxford House
Price: £5
The UK’s biggest Somali book fair! Meet authors, discover new writing, and browse stalls with books in Somali and English. Open to all.