The nationwide Afrovibes Festival tour is heading to East London this week to cap off a season of African music at Stratford Circus.

Artists from across South Africa and beyond have teamed up to put on a series of events ranging from comedy to African music.

A “Township Cafe” will also be set up in the Circus, allowing people to experience authentic African foods and take part in debates and late night music and workshops.

The festival is being produced by UK Arts International. Director Jan Ryan said: ““Afrovibes is a festival that connects artists in the UK with artists in South Africa.

“It enables people to not only experience the work of a range of South African performers, but to contextualise that work through events that take place in the Township Cafe.”

The festival has received a rapturous reception so far, with particular success for the events set to be put on in the East London leg of the tour.

The programme at Stratford Circus will include two plays. Comedy And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses tells the story of an unlikely alliance between two women from fundamentally different backgrounds, and Mother to Mother, is a touching tale of an American Fullbright Scholar killed in a Capetown township.

Nine-piece Sibikwa Orchestra, renowned for keeping the audience on their feet and involved throughout the performance, will also be appearing as part of the festival.

The festival’s shows will be held from October 3-6. For tickets visit www.stratford-circus.com or call 0844 357 2625.