Programmes & Services
Learn the dances.
Speak the language.
Carry the culture.
Our weekly cultural programme runs at St Luke’s Community Centre, Canning Town – open to members of every age and background.
2 to 3 times each month, typically on Sundays
Monthly cultural programmes
Traditional dance rehearsals
The full Acholi repertoire – Bwola, Larakaraka, Dingidingi, Otole, Lakubukubu, Orak, Apiti and more — rehearsed weekly by four generations of members.
Drumming & traditional instruments
Training in the drums and traditional instruments that give every dance its heartbeat.
Leb Lwo language classes
Lwo language classes for children and adults – connecting the diaspora’s children to their grandparents’ homeland, one word at a time.
Youth dance training
Dedicated youth sessions passing performance skills to the next generation, building confidence, identity and pride.
The Repertoire
The great dances of the Acholi
Bwola
The royal court dance — a great circle of drummers and dancers, performed for chiefs and the most honoured occasions.
Lakubukubu
Part of the living Acholi repertoire kept in weekly rehearsal.
Larakaraka
The courtship dance of the calabash — joyful, rhythmic and famously danced at weddings.
Orak
A celebration dance enjoyed across generations.
Dingidingi
The joyful dance of the young — quick, playful and full of life.
Apiti
A graceful dance traditionally performed by women.
Otole
The war dance — powerful formations recalling the courage of the ancestors.
…and more
The repertoire grows as elders pass dances on to youth.
Community Support & Social Programme
More than dance
Trips & celebrations
Annual Summer Festival, seaside trips and family days out — community life across the seasons.
Mutual support
Celebrating milestones and supporting members through bereavements — no one walks alone.
A welcoming hub
A home from home for new arrivals from the Acholi diaspora — community from day one.
Dance Lwo, Move Newham
Our planned inclusive dance-fitness programme will open Acholi dance to all Newham residents as free physical activity. Funding application submitted — watch this space.
What We Do
Culture lives here – every month
Tailoring Class
Lwo Cultural Group is proud to offer a practical Tailoring Class for community members of all skill levels — from complete beginners to those looking to build on existing sewing knowledge. Whether you want to learn how to make traditional Acholi clothing, adapt garments for performance, or simply pick up a new practical skill, this is the class for you. Sessions are friendly, hands-on and supportive — come along, meet others, and create something beautiful together.
More InfoSenior Social & Wellbeing Club
At Lwo Cultural Group, we know that community is as important as culture. Our Senior Social & Wellbeing Club is a warm, welcoming space created especially for older members of our community — a place to come together, share stories, enjoy conversation and support one another’s wellbeing. Whether you are a long-standing LCG member or new to the community, you are welcome. Come for the laughter, the connection, and the sense of belonging that has always been at the heart of Lwo culture.
More infoOur drums call everyone to the dance
Become a member, book a performance, or help us build a permanent home for Lwo culture in Britain.
Lwo Cultural Group
Preserving, celebrating and passing on the cultural heritage of the Lwo (Acholi) people of northern Uganda — through dance, music, language and community.
Contact
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- St Luke’s Community Centre,
85 Tarling Rd, Canning Town, London
E16 1HN. United Kingdom.
- St Luke’s Community Centre,
- Email: lwoculturalgroup@hotmail.com
- Treasurer: David Opwonya — 07471 844 661
- Organiser: Florence Atim — 07941 361 445
Lwo Cultural Group | Registered Charity No. 1109870 | Volunteer-led since 1991
Photographs are used with the consent of those featured, in line with our child protection and safeguarding policies.