Medway African and Caribbean Association Celebrates 40 Years with Star-Studded Gala Hosted by Richard Blackwood

The Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA) is thrilled to announce its 40th Anniversary Gala, a monumental celebration of culture, history, and community. The star-studded event will be hosted by none other than the star of stage and television, Richard Blackwood, on Saturday, 20th July 2024, at the historic Rochester Corn Exchange.

Richard who is currently starring in C4 Hollyoaks for which he has been nominated for an award, is also known for his role in Eastenders, MTV and much more !

A Night of Elegance and Cultural Fusion

The gala promises an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, as special guests and dignitaries come together to honour the legacy and future of the African and Caribbean communities across Kent and Medway. Attendees will be treated to a showcase of performances by young people, who will depict the evolution of African dance and hip hop over the past 40 years, alongside a creative display of textiles that narrate the intertwined stories of Africa and the Caribbean.
There will be more special guests and performances to be announced.

Carol Stewart, chairperson of MACA states “ We are really honoured to have Richard host the event for us this year,“, to help us celebrate this significant milestone. We have so much to be proud of, from very humble beginnings in a front room in Gillingham to have made some remarkable achievements over the past 40 years, and we have so much more to do ! This gala is not just a celebration of our past but a beacon of hope and unity for our community.” It’s important for us to have positive role models for our young people in particular, and Richard has previously visited Medway some years ago to open a Youth Centre that used to be in Rochester, so we are really pleased to be welcoming him back here again, we have an exciting year of celebrations ahead, and will be launching our year programme at the end of March.”

Tickets for the event will be on sale from the end of March via the MACA website and will include an African and Caribbean buffet from Olby’s Creative hub and café, plus entertainment and surprise special guests.

We are still interested in hearing from corporate or individual sponsors for the gala.

Policing For All

University of Kent Medway Campus

Mon 20 May 2024,
6:30PM – 8:30PM

MACAs 40th Anniversary

It’s MACA’s 40th anniversary in 2024 and we are proud to be hosting RUSH, a hugely entertaining and informative show of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation. With the music of Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley and many more, played live by the JA Reggae Band.

Rush’s writer and narrator John Simmit is best known for playing Dipsy in nearly 400 episodes in BBC’s Teletubbies. His other tv credits include The Real Mckoy BBC, The Gadget Show, Channel 5), Black, British and Funny ( channel 4) As a producer ( Upfront Comedy), he has produced nationally and internationally for nearly 30 years, including tours for Gina Yashere, Curtis Walker, and the late Felix Dexter. The guardian has called him “ the man who put Black British comedy on the map “

There will be singing and dancing throughout various points of the show – Audience Members will be encouraged to stand up and dance at their seats.

Tickets – Band A: £30.00, Band B: £25.00

Tickets are available from the Central Theatre , ,170 High St Chatham, Kent, ME4 4AS or online:

Our African and Caribbean Market is back !

This time its bigger and better !

Saturday 30th March 2024
10am – 4pm

The Great Hall ( upstairs)
The Rochester Corn Exchange
Northgate, Rochester
Kent ME1 1LS

Entrance opposite Corn Exchange Car park
Free entry
There are plenty of car parks, and good public transport

We have lots of stall selling, arts, crafts, food, fashion, music, beauty , jewellry, photography, health treatments, home products, and much more !

As well as information from Medway African and Caribbean Association!

For more information email or to book a stall info@macacharity.org.uk

Walking with friends

We start this weekend with a Walking with friends event as part of International Women’s Day and to promote our Blood and Organ Donor campaign, in partnership with MJ Outdoor adventures , we meet 2pm at Capstone park, free goody bags too!