Following acclaimed outings in Africa, Europe and across Britain, Africa Express: The Circus will see musical legends, emerging new artists, vocalists, DJs and producers from Africa, the West and Waltham Forest come together on Friday, March 29 for a celebratory cross-cultural collaboration in Leytonstone, where Africa Express co-founder Damon Albarn grew up, as part of London Borough of Culture 2019.

A big top circus tent will be erected on Wanstead Flats, the southernmost part of Epping Forest in Leytonstone. Participating artists including Batida, Damon Albarn, Django Django, Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice), Gruff Rhys, Imarhan, Joan As Police Woman, Mista Silva, Moonchild Sanelly, Morena Leraba, Muzi , Onipa, Rokia Traoré, Sibot and The Good, The Bad & The Queen will unite for a process of discovery, collaboration and music-making, culminating in a joyous, one-off live performance in the heart of Waltham Forest.

Waltham Forest will be working to ensure that local residents are able to access this highlight of the year-long London Borough of Culture programme, with targeted and priority ticketing plans.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Despite London’s position as an international culture capital, too many young Londoners do not have access to our city’s exceptional cultural institutions and feel unable to get involved. London Borough of Culture is a real gamechanger – it puts culture at the heart of local communities and ensures young Londoners can access the transformative power of art and music. Africa Express: The Circus will be a spectacular show, bringing together artists from across the world in Waltham Forest.”

Damon Albarn added: “Growing up in a multi-racial community like Leytonstone had a profound effect on me as a boy. The Wanstead Flats helped define who I am, so this is a great honour personally.”

Hailed as the most revolutionary force in popular music for two decades, Africa Express brings together musicians from different cultures, genres and generations to break boundaries and offer a new perspective on Africa and its music. Each event is unique, based upon on-the-spot collaboration and filled with unique moments of magic.

Tickets are on sale now, available from wfculture19.co.uk/africaexpress