WALES Millennium Centre celebrates Black History Month with a special tribute to Nelson Mandela. The celebrations will be held in partnership with Black History Association Wales and African Community Centre, with Wales Millennium Centre hosting two events throughout the month.

The Tribute to Nelson Mandela will be held on Saturday, October 18 which will see the centre dedicate the day to the former South African President.

The day will feature music, talks and performances and celebrate the inspirational figure and the valued contribution he made to the African community.

An a cappella performance from UWC Atlantic College, music from Amas and the Jazzy Africana plus displays of African traditions such as dancing an African wedding ceremony will all be highlights.

An African drumming workshop will be open to all. These events will be run by the Centre in partnership with the African Community Centre.

Then on Saturday, October 25, Wales Millennium Centre, for the sixth year, is proud to host the finale of Black History Month.

With a vibrant array of activities taking place across the country as part of the celebrations, many of which are connected to the World War One Centenary, the finale will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate African Diaspora culture and its contributions to Wales and beyond with music, dancing, good food and good company.

Performances which will take place on the Glanfa Stage will include Panafest Cymru, who will open the festivities with a bang, featuring a performance from local artists.

Solid Street, a London based steel band who will bring the best in calypso sounds to the Centre.

Ballet Nimba will combine traditional and contemporary West African dance and music in an exciting and dynamic way.

Baby Queens and Kizzy Merial Crawford will grace the stage as well as the Swansea Gospel Choir. The Big Talent Agency will present extracts from Hairspray and Hard Côr, will perform a classic song from the early 20th Century in their very own unique style.

Local Chef Geraldine Trotman will be back consulting on a new menu to be served at Ffresh during the celebrations.

Not only all the great performances but a special finale show will be by Tavaziva Ten who will showcase a stunning and seductive collection of five minute dance pieces performed in the Weston Studio.

All the events are free to attend with the exception of Tavaziva Ten which takes place at 8pm on Saturday, October 25, with tickets ranging from £8 to £13. (Age guidance 12 plus).

For more information please visit www.wmc.org.uk or contact the ticket office on 02920 636464.