Merton Council and the borough’s Voluntary organisations are set to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act by hosting ‘Celebrating Freedom’ to mark the occasion. The event will be held at Mitcham Fair Green on Thursday 23 August 2007 from 2pm to 9pm.

Celebrating Freedom will remember the unsung heroes of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and commemorate the start of the Haiti Revolution in 1791 through the following activities:

· Arts workshops from 2pm to 6pm – where there will be African drumming, drama, poetry and capoeira.

· Talks, debates and discussions from 6pm -7.30pm, which will be Led by Dr Lez Henry of Nubeyond, a well-known and acclaimed speaker on Black History.

· The evening will close with a show from 7.30pm – 9pm – the show by MeWe, Ancestral Hands, local musicians Lfe Piankhi and Gus. MeWe are a youth theatre group from Kingston who have written and produced a play called Equiano’s Cup, about the life of Olaudah Equiano, an ex-slave and abolition campaigner. The young people will be performing an extract from their play as well as leading a drama workshop during the day. Ancestral Hands are a South London based African drums and dance group who will be leading a workshop as well as performing in the show.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor John Dehaney said,

“The celebrating Freedom event will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade as we remember and pay our tribute to those affected by slavery. We hope that many will turn up, to what promises to be a wonderful event.”

For more information about Celebrating Freedom contact The Arts Development Officer on 020 8545 4197. Stalls are available to hire for £35.00, to book call 020 8274 5782.