At the heart of the initiative are Kelvin and Oluwatosin Adekanmbi, founders of Toskel Travels Limited and Toskel Community Heritage & Culture CIC. Their work focuses on preserving Nigerian cultural identity while fostering community cohesion in the UK. Over the years, the pair have organised notable gatherings—including Nigerian Cultural Day and Independence Day celebrations—alongside language classes, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops that engage both young people and families.
According to Kelvin Adekanmbi, the upcoming carol evening is as much a communal gathering as it is a performance. He notes that such events provide essential spaces for the Nigerian diaspora to maintain their traditions, celebrate their identity, and share their cultural expressions with the wider public. Attendees can expect a programme featuring local choirs, dancers, and musicians performing Christmas carols and Nigerian folk songs, creating a blend of seasonal warmth and cultural pride.
The organisers emphasise that the event is open to all, extending an invitation to the broader African diaspora and the wider Plymouth community. The goal, they say, is to deepen cultural appreciation while building bridges across diverse groups in the region.
Reflecting on the origins of their work, Oluwatosin Adekanmbi explained that their initiatives were born from a desire to ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora retain strong connections to their heritage. After settling in Plymouth, the couple observed that despite the city’s diversity, platforms for showcasing Nigerian culture were limited. Their response has since evolved from small gatherings into community-wide events featuring exhibitions, food, crafts, and a growing network of participants.
One of their more recent achievements is the Nigerians in Plymouth Enterprise Network (NIPEN), which, according to Kelvin, has helped local Nigerians register and grow businesses in the city—supporting entrepreneurship and empowering families.
Toskel’s cultural initiatives have also gained the support of Plymouth City Council. The annual Nigerian Cultural Day, now co-hosted with the Council, continues to expand, with the latest edition drawing more than 15 Nigerian celebrities and guests from various sectors. Highlights included the attendance of Mayor Kathy Watkins, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, along with former Lord Mayor Dr. John Mahogany, both of whom presented awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to culture and community cohesion. Honourees included journalist Richard Edoki, actor Kunle Afod, Amoke Oluwatosin Adekanmbi, and Bimbo Adebayo, among others.
With growing visibility and community backing, the Toskel Carol and Cultural Evening is positioning itself as one of Plymouth’s standout end-of-year events—bringing festive spirit, cultural richness, and a message of unity to the city.