Renowned Ohangla musician Prince Indah and celebrated media personality Dr. Ofweneke, among other top artists, are set to headline the 10th edition of Kenya & Friends in the Park, the UK’s largest East African outdoor gathering.
Founded and led by Lydia Tett Olet, the annual event has grown into a vibrant celebration of Kenyan culture. It’s a space where Kenyans, their friends, and other East Africans in the diaspora connect, network, and celebrate their roots through music, dance, food, and cultural exhibitions.
This milestone edition is scheduled to take place at Acton Park, The Vale, London W3 7JX, on the 26th and 27th of July, 2025.
For Lydia Tett, what started as a dream has blossomed into a decade-long cultural phenomenon.
“It’s more than just a party,” she explained in an interview. “It’s a place where people reconnect. I remember meeting one of my best friends there after years of losing touch. Many friendships have been rekindled, and even marriages have been formed through this festival.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind Kenya & Friends in the Park, Lydia shares that her experiences at Ghana in the Park, a well-established diaspora event in the UK, played a pivotal role.
As a former dancer, Lydia often participated in the festivities and was struck by the sense of unity and joy that surrounded the Ghanaian community.
“Every time I attended Ghana in the Park, I was amazed by the happiness, the togetherness, and the pride in their culture,” she recalled. “I wasn’t even Ghanaian, but I always felt welcomed and uplifted.”
These experiences ignited a vision in her heart—to create something similar for Kenyans in the UK.
“I thought, why can’t we have this for Kenya? That’s how Kenya & Friends in the Park was born.”
Lydia has consistently acknowledged her inspiration and maintains a respectful relationship with Dennis, the founder of Ghana in the Park, whom she credits for encouraging her dream.
“I’ve always thanked Dennis for the inspiration. Our events never overlap, out of mutual respect. That’s how I believe things should be—built on appreciation and integrity.”
While music and culture have remained central to the festival since its inception in 2015, Lydia explains that Kenya & Friends in the Park has also played an important role in supporting the Kenyan diaspora.
The event has become a vital platform for educating attendees on smart investing, especially after many have fallen victim to fraudulent deals that failed to materialize back home.
“Sometimes you send money, and nothing happens. Other times, something is built, but it’s substandard. Or worse, they build and put the house in their name. That frustration made me ask—why not create a space where people can meet directly with verified professionals?” Lydia says.
To tackle these challenges, Lydia emphasizes the importance of trusted agents in fields like real estate, who help Kenyans make secure investments back home.
Banks also participate, offering guidance on saving and money management, enabling diaspora members to make informed financial decisions.
Similarly, insurance firms provide insights on protecting assets, while Saccos educate attendees on effective savings and investment plans.
As the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, Lydia is already looking ahead with bold plans.
“This year, we’re introducing a Ugandan village within Kenya & Friends in the Park. It’s the first step toward including more East African communities.”
Rather than expanding all at once—a potential logistical challenge—she plans for a gradual, thoughtful expansion.
“If this year’s Ugandan village goes well, we’ll add another community next year. My dream is to have a park filled with cultural villages, each representing a different country.”
Lydia is grateful to the 20 people on her team whose support has been vital to the festival’s success.
She also extends her gratitude to everyone who has attended or will attend, emphasizing that their participation is key to the event’s ongoing success. Closing with a message of gratitude, she says, “IT CAN ONLY BE GOD.”
