MULTICULTURAL Frome returned on Sunday 10th October at The Cheese & Grain and was hailed a huge success, with over 700 local people of all ages and nationalities attending.
Organisers Azeema Caffoor and Lenka Grimes from the charity Young People Frome said, “After the cancellation of last year’s event and the recent difficulties, we were delighted to bring this joyful event back. By extending the venue space with stalls and some bands and dancing outside, we were able to run it safely.
“The diverse community event brought together people from over 20 nationalities who came to share their culture and traditions through music, dance, food, information, games, craft activities and singing. There were displays of beautiful work produced by children in local schools: Hayesdown, Trinity, Beckington, Mells, Vallis and Frome College; with the themes of Black History, Hinduism, cultural identity and some wonderful bunting. In addition, there were displays of Black History from the newly-formed ARC group, who have been working with local schools to address racism and develop their Black Curriculum.
“Performances included Celtic music from The South West Ceilidh Band, international singing from Avanti School, Samba drumming from Trinity’s Year 2, Jesse Angeloro from Frome College playing the marimba and The Fromers playing traditional klezmer music. There was also the opportunity to watch and learn the steps of a traditional Morris dance, with Mr Wilkins’ Shilling group, and later to have a go at traditional Latin American dancing with our Venezuelan friends, who got everyone moving to the very end!
“Some of the delicacies on offer included Tibetan dumplings (momos), Eritrean stews (Ades, Alcha, Tsebhi), Jamaican lemonade, Spanish tapas, Polish cakes, Finnish buns, Turkish coffee, Welsh cakes, German and French salamis, and Argentinian arepas.
“Activities included: Chinese games, Polish Folk art face painting, Japanese origami and calligraphy, Thai Kratongs to float on water, Tibetan sound healing, Welsh language games, try a Saree, making Chinese lanterns, decorating paper llamas and Turkish fortune telling.
“We were also fortunate to have Frome Twinning Association, Diversity Voice, Somerset Library Service, Somerset Diverse Communities (part of Community Council for Somerset) and Stand Against Racism and Inequality join us for the day.
“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 and backgrounds.
“Multicultural Frome started in 2017 and has now built a list of 58 nationalities in Frome and continues to grow, promoting positive celebrations of culture. We would like to thank our funders Frome Town Council and Somerset Diverse Communities (Community Council for Somerset), all the performers and stall holders, and all our volunteers.”
If you would like to get involved in future events please contact azeema@fromeactive.org.uk or lenkagrimes@gmail.com.
