THE multicultural event at The Cheese & Grain on Sunday the 15th of October was hailed a huge success, with hundreds of local people of all ages and nationalities attending.
Organisers Azeema Caffoor and Lenka Grimes from Young People Frome were overwhelmed at the response from the hidden international communities who wanted to celebrate their diversity.
They say, “We hope the event will be a catalyst for further celebrations of our international community.
“The community event brought together people from over 25 nationalities who came to share their culture through music, dance, food and craft activities. Decorations and flags were made by Frome College, Oakfield, St John’s and Christchurch schools.
“Performances ranged from Polish children dance to an African dance and drumming workshop, Argentinian tango and Kujawy traditional Polish dance troupe. Music was provided by One Step Ceilidh band and Frome Jazz Club.
“Some of the delicacies on offer included Matzos, falafals, empanados, pernicky, baklava, haggis, yalanji, spanakopila, Danish open sandwiches, croquetas and cinnamon buns. Lunch was provided by Lungi Baba’South Indian cuisine.
“Children were delighted to learn how to write their name in Chinese, make kratongs, learn origami, decorate Canadian cookies and learn how to wrap a sari. Ben Gow, a 21-year-old peace activist from the charity ReVi gave an inspiring, illustrated talk about his time working with refugees in Greece and Turkey. An exhibition charting the journeys of both first and second generation migrants from 10 different backgrounds informed and moved many.
“Many people made new friends and found comfort in realising that there were other people in the town that were also from diverse cultures.”
If you would like to get involved in future events please contact azeema@ fromeactive.org.uk lenka grimes@gmail.com
Photo Credit : Celie Nigoumi and Crysse Morrison.
