On Friday, 28th October 2022, the second annual event brought together families for another vibrant evening of storytelling, music, and poetry. With Eventbrite logging 1,300 page views and an estimated 165 families in attendance, the event highlighted the beauty of diverse stories.

Featuring authors and storytellers from Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, and more, CALFE offered children books that reflect their heritage while fostering confidence and cultural pride.

Event Highlights included Authors Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, Annemarie Anang, author of I Am Nefertiti, Storytelling by Usifu Jalloh shared traditional tales, Sade Fadipe, Portia Mushambi, Carrol May Nelson, Kamapala Chukwuka, Faye Akpalu, David Casswell, Ayo Oyeku. This time with supported promotions onto the websites of the Essex Cultural Diversity Project and Essex Book Festival, showing the impactful ability of diverse stories to inspire children and bridge cultures.