The multicultural event held at The Cheese & Grain on Sunday the 10th of November was hailed a huge success, with over 800 local people of all ages and nationalities attending.
Organisers Azeema Caffoor and Lenka Grimes from Young People Frome were overwhelmed at the response and this year’s festival hosted even more countries, ranging from Wales to Mexico to Portugal, saying, “in Frome we now have 51 nationalities resident.
“The diverse community event brought together people from over 25 nationalities who came to share their culture and traditions through music, dance, food, information, games, craft activities, singing and stories. There was also a display of personal stories and interviews of family members from abroad that were involved in the various wars and some interesting information about the colonial participation during WW2.
“Mike Grenville gave two really inspiring talks upstairs about his uncle in France during WW1 and his 30-year anniversary bike ride along the Iron Curtain.
“Performances included a Peruvian dance, Finnish music and singing, and a group playing traditional klezmer music. There was also the opportunity to watch and then learn the steps of a traditional Morris dance with Mr Wilkins’ Shilling group and later to have a go at Punjabi dancing with Avtar Indian dance, which got the whole room joining in.
“Some of the delicacies on offer included Tibetan dumplings (momos), Eritrean stews (Ades, Alcha, Tsebhi), Syrian falafals, Czech meatloaf (Sekana), Indian tomato chutney, Greek spinach pie (Spanakopita) and lots of delicious savoury snacks, cakes and biscuits from Italy, Poland, Argentina and Germany.
“Activities included: Mexican mask making, Japanese origami and calligraphy, Thai Kratongs to float on water, Henna tattoos, Tibetan sound healing, Jewish monopoly, Welsh and Scottish language games, dress a Saree, decorating Palestinian peace dove biscuits, information about the Russian Siberian forests and Romanian crochet.
“We were also fortunate to have Frome Twinning Association making flags with children and Frome Toy Library providing a toddler corner and activities. It was lovely to see so many participants in traditional costumes from their respective countries.
“Many people made new friends, learnt new things about other countries, danced, sang and found comfort in realising that there were other people in the town that were also from diverse cultures. Comments included;
“It was a joyous and thoroughly enjoyable day and great for kids, can’t wait for next year”
“ Lovely to see different cultures and foods of the world and the way people celebrate “
“We met people who said they had met here for the first time last year and are now doing a stall together “
“We would like to thank our funders Frome Town Council, Positive People and Community Council for Somerset, all the performers and stall holders, Mark Brookes for photography and all our volunteers. If you would like to get involved in future events please contact azeema @fromeactive.org.uk lenka grimes@gmail.com
