London, Ontario, that beautiful Canadian city along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor with a metropolitan area population of 457,720 has always been a thriving, bustling, cosmopolitan centre regarded as the heartbeat of Canada. It has also always been a cultural melting pot with an array of different cultures and festivals.

Multi-cultural festivals that have proven very popular in London, Ontario include the Latin American Sunfest, Festival of India and Festa Italiana. Now, we have a brand new addition – Afrofesta 2008 – a celebration of African Caribbean and Black Canadian culture.

Unique, fresh and the first of its kind, Afrofesta 2008 will be a celebration of African food, music, culture, dance and clothing. Taking place at the downtown Covent Garden Market, Afrofesta 2008 will celebrate the city’s diverse and rich black culture.

It is time to lift the lid on these unknown facts and unleash the Afro-Caribbean experience on to the general public. As we celebrate Afro-Caribbeans living in Canada for the last 400 years, it is time to ensure that these festivals become an annual ritual. We hope that Afrofesta London 2008 will be the launching pad for a host of other cultural events that will become part of everyday Canadian life.