[T]hunderdrumming, storytelling, singing, picnicking, arts crafts and workshops will all be on offer at Kendal’s first Unity Festival. Mayor Cllr Guy Tirvengadum will open proceedings at 10am on Saturday 23 June in Abbott Hall Park, kicking off a unique free, fun, family day.
Play the diversity game, get your photo taken as a Suffragette, find out when your birthday is in the Baha’i calendar, bring something to share for the Great Get Together picnic with More in Common, and join in with some singing. Make a mask at the Birdcage with Manna House or pop into the Library for some storytelling with local author Claire Griffle.
Visit the Hidden Stories, Shared Lives Exhibition in the Unitarian Chapel and be surprised by the incredible life stories of local residents born elsewhere. Catch a performance by Untethered and the Amabile choir.
Be impressed by the work of South Lakeland Youth Council and Sandgate School and have a go at their range of activities, and try your luck at something fun with the ‘Mini Vinnies’ SVP the Catholic charity’s junior branch.
If you need a break stop off at the People Café at South Lakeland Foyer for a delicious meal and take a few minutes in the Interfaith Prayer Space.
Learn about organisations that support local carers working with children, older people and refugees. Talk to Zero Waste Kendal, South Lakeland Mind and Kendal Torchlight. Be ‘shocked’ by a demonstration of Heart Start by Kendal Fire and Rescue. Pick up some information about Buddhism, Organ Donation, and our twin town Rinteln.
“It’s a fantastic, unique mix of people and things to see, learn and do,” said Aftab Khan who is coordinating the event on behalf of AWAZ. “The Unity Festival is all about bringing people together and creating a greater sense of community. The aim is to help people understand the diversity in Kendal and to celebrate it. We have so many organisations involved in our first event, it’s very exciting.”
The day will be rounded off with a special screening of the film Pride at the Warehouse Cafe hosted by the South Lakes Lesbian Society.
For more details follow us on Facebook and twitter @FestivalUnity or visit www.cumbriaunity.co.uk
