Iroko Theatre Company x Medway Culture Club = Black History Month 2026

Celebrate Black History Month through music, rhythm and storytelling

Medway Culture Club is delighted to partner with Iroko Theatre Company for a vibrant and interactive African Drumming and Storytelling Workshop, celebrating the richness of African cultural traditions during Black History Month.

Designed for children and young people aged 5 to 16, this energetic workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the joy of group music-making and the rich tradition of African oral storytelling.

Traditional African Drumming

Get ready to make some noise! Every participant will have their own traditional African drum or percussion instrument to play.

With guidance from an experienced workshop leader, children will learn basic drumming techniques, rhythms, and cross-rhythms while discovering how music brings people together. Traditional African songs, chants, movements and musical games will add plenty of energy and fun, creating a relaxed and non-judgmental space where everyone can join in and express themselves.

African Storytelling

The workshop will also introduce children to the fascinating world of traditional African storytelling through age-appropriate fables, myths and legends.

Young participants will discover the exploits and characteristics of famous African trickster characters such as Ananse the Spider, Ijapa and the Tortoise, while exploring the performance techniques that bring these stories to life.

Through practical activities, children will have the chance to experiment with:

• Call and response• Repetition• Audience interaction• Characterisation• Multiple role playing• Traditional storytelling techniques

Schedule at a glance

10:30 am | Welcome and workshop begins

10:30 am to 11:45 am | Traditional African drumming, rhythms, songs and musical games

11:45 am to 12:30 pm | African storytelling, characters and interactive performance activities

12:30 pm to 1:00 pm | Lunch

1:00 pm | Collection

More than just a workshop

This is a chance for children to have fun, make music and hear captivating stories while developing their creativity, confidence and understanding of African cultural traditions.

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. BOOK HERE

Iroko Theatre Company x Medway Culture ClubAges 5 to 16 | 10:30 am to 1:00 pm | Lunch includedMidKent College, Medway Road, Gillingham, ME7 1FN