AmalaHangOutWithTolu unites Nigerians in the UK with food, games, and culture at its third edition in Hull, inspiring a bigger African festival dream

A vibrant cultural celebration among Nigerians in the UK, AmalaHangOutWithTolu, had its third edition held on 6 September 2025 at the Humber All Nations Alliance, Hull.

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Branded the Amala and Akara Edition, the event offered guests a delicious taste of home with steaming bowls of Amala served alongside traditional Gbegiri and Ewedu soups.

The gathering was not just about food but also about rekindling heritage through Yoruba nursery rhymes, tales, and traditional games.

The entertainment featured Masoyinbo games, tales by moonlight storytelling, and engaging Yoruba songs that filled the venue with laughter and a strong sense of community.

These elements highlighted the event’s core mission: preserving Nigerian culture among the diaspora.

Founder Toolz shared that what began as a small gathering of friends has grown into a lively platform for cultural expression.

“I didn’t just want to serve food, I wanted to serve a piece of home, a taste of nostalgia, and a reminder of our roots,” she said.

Toolz expressed a hopeful vision for the future: transforming AmalaHangOutWithTolu into a full African food festival in the UK.

“Though it seems a big dream, I trust in a big God who can do exceedingly above all we can imagine,” she said passionately.

From its modest beginnings with 19 friends under the theme “Rich Aunty Vibes,” the event has evolved into a unifying force for Nigerians in the UK.

Adding to the fun were prizes for the best dressed guest, who received a £10 voucher, and rewards for the best table and most interactive group, which each won a pack of noodles.

The Hull edition was supported by Agbeke Artistry, FSA Events & Decor, and Nigerian media agency Iretura, with partnerships from Yoruba Lede, Ayinkeakewi_uk, Star Cuisine, and Thespoonhand.

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More than just a gathering, AmalaHangOutWithTolu is a cultural movement weaving food, heritage, and fellowship into a strong community fabric, setting the stage for an ambitious African food festival in the UK.