OVER 150 people came together to take part in a special festival celebrating Nigerian culture in Basingstoke. 

An ethnic group within the community, the Ndi Igbo Basingstoke, marked its unique heritage by holding its first annual New Yam Festival and Cultural Day on Saturday, September 26. 

The event took place at Wesley Hall, Christ Church, Chineham, and began with a traditional Igbo prayer and the breaking of the kola nut ceremony - the kola nut is broken and eaten when a host welcomes a guest into their home.

SEE ALSO: 'Frustrated' blind man asks council to clear footpaths AGAIN

The kola nut ceremony was followed by a feast of traditional Igbo food, including new yam, egusi soup, bitter leave soup, assorted traditional meals, and pounded yam. There was music and dancing, as well as a variety of cultural exhibits.

The New Yam Festival is a traditional Igbo celebration of the harvest where thanks are given for the bountiful harvest and for reaffirming the community's ties to its culture and traditions. The festival is typically marked by feasting, dancing, and music.

Ndi Igbo Basingstoke chairman, Stanley Madukaiwe, said: "The New Yam Festival and Cultural Day is an important event for the Ndi Igbo Basingstoke community. It is a time to come together and celebrate culture, traditions, and heritage, and an opportunity to welcome new members to the community and to build bridges with other cultures." 

READ MORE: Film festival returning to Basingstoke to showcase best of independent cinema

Also in attendance at the event were the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr David Leeks and mayoress Amanda Leeks.

The mayor and mayoress also spoke at the event, praising the Ndi Igbo Basingstoke community for their vibrant culture and their contributions to the town. They also congratulated the community on the successful organisation of the event.

The Ndi Igbo Basingstoke is a community organisation that promotes Igbo culture and traditions in Basingstoke. The organisation was founded on May 16, 2022, and has over 150 members. 

The Ndi Igbo Basingstoke organises a variety of events throughout the year, including the New Yam Festival and Cultural Day, the Igbo Christmas Carol Service, end of year party and the Igbo New Year's Eve Party.