First held in December 2018, the festival was founded as a means of celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the Niumi District. On the banks of The River Gambia, the festival is held within the walls of Fort Bullen and brings together all 67 villages in the district.   

Constructed in the war against slavery, Fort Bullen’s walls now celebrate the very culture they were first built to protect. Over three days and nights, the fort holds host to the wide variety of culture this area boasts, from dancing and singing through to local skills and crafts. 

As well as celebrating the cultural heritage of the area, the event also provides the opportunity for youth empowerment, enabling young people from the area to stand up and have a voice.