A group of African musicians and artists will travel thousands of miles to east London to boost ties with the UK’s up and coming talents.

Lake of Stars, an annual multi-genre festival held on the shores of Lake Malawi, will hold a series of events in Walthamstow next year to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

The one-day festival on March 10 2018 will see eight venues across Walthamstow host live and electronic music, poetry, theatre, film screenings, book readings and exhibitions.

Most of the activities are free and will include child-friendly craft workshops and puppet shows.

Founder of Lakes of Stars, Will Jameson, said: “Our 15th anniversary celebrations in London and Glasgow will offer a unique chance for UK artists to perform and collaborate with some of the best new acts from Africa.

“Having kick-started Malawi’s festival industry, we are taking things full circle by further developing platforms for African artists in the UK, which is why we are excited to be working with Waltham Forest Council to host our London-based events in such a vibrant borough which is bidding to become the first London Borough of Culture in 2019.

“Walthamstow is experiencing a creative regeneration we want to help grow.

“LOS London will boost awareness of the area, engage local artists and contribute to the economy.”

The celebrations will close with a concert at Walthamstow Assembly Hall featuring artists from the UK, Malawi, Ghana and South Africa

Confirmed acts include award-winning Ghanaian hip hop artist M.anifest and Malawian singer-songwriter Faith Mussa.

Cllr Ahsan Khan, Cabinet Member for Libraries Arts and Culture, said: “We are delighted to host Lake of Stars’ 2018 London event and to encourage such fantastic links between musicians in the UK and Africa.

“The festival will be one of the opening events of our new arts and live music programme at the Walthamstow Assembly Hall, which once hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Scott and Eileen Joyce.”

For more information visit www.lakeofstars.org.