
GUSDA Folk Festival Celebrates Guyana's 59th Independence & GUSDA's 30th Anniversary in Grand Style
GUSDA's Annual Folk Festival on 25 May 2025 celebrated both Guyana's 59th Independence and GUSDA's 30th anniversary at a temporary venue in Norbury, London. The day featured traditional Guyanese food, cultural performances, a masquerade band and the GUSDA Diaspora Awards, with Guyana's High Commissioner Dr Rajendra Singh among the guests.
GUSDA's Annual Folk Festival on Sunday 25 May 2025 was a day to remember, marking both Guyana's 59th Independence Anniversary and GUSDA's own 30th anniversary in grand style.
Held at a temporary venue in Norbury, London, the celebration brought the community together for a vibrant day of Guyanese culture. Traditional food was served throughout the day, alongside cultural performances, workshop activities and a colourful masquerade band featuring the Stilts Man, Mother Sally and the Mad Bull.
The festival also included the presentation of the GUSDA Diaspora Awards, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
We were honoured to welcome Guyana's High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Rajendra Singh, and GUSDA's Patron, Ram John "Porkpie" Holder, among the guests.
Our sincere thanks go to the Guyana Tourism Authority for their sponsorship, and to the many volunteers whose hard work made the day possible.
The celebration continues at our Annual Sports and Fun Day on Saturday 27 July — we look forward to seeing you there.
More from the Community
Related Stories

Youth, GUSDA, News
GUSDA Launches Youth Skills Empowerment Initiative with Hands United for Humanity
GUSDA partners with Hands United for Humanity to launch YSEI — a 12-month community-based workforce development programme supporting 40 underserved youths across six Guyanese communities.

Events
GUSDA Launches Inaugural TC Baynes Dominoes Shield at Guyana Family Sports & Fun Day 2025
GUSDA honours the late TC Baynes with the inaugural Dominoes Shield Tournament at the Guyana Family Sports & Fun Day on Sunday 27 July 2025. The knockout-style competition runs from 3pm at Croydon Sports Arena, with registration open via Eventbrite and places limited to 21 players.

Community, GUSDA
GUSDA Celebrates Diaspora Excellence at Annual Folk Festival Awards Ceremony
The 25 May Awards Ceremony at Norbury High School recognised outstanding contributions across the Guyanese diaspora, presented by Guyana High Commissioner Dr Rajendra Singh. Honourees included June Givanni, Sybil Phoenix MBE, Reverend Canon Emeritus Ivelaw Bowman, Guyana SPEAKS, Xavier Alexander and the Guyana (UK) Kwe Kwe Group.
