Clog and sword dancing, a Bhangra dance workshop and an array of food from around the world will greet visitors to this Sunday’s Culture Bazaar West.
The event is completely free to attend and will celebrate West Cumbria’s vibrant multicultural community, as well as revealing the winners of a cake competition with a twist.
It takes place at Workington Academy on Sunday, November 26, and promises a day out that all the family will enjoy.
From the Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam, a kite making workshop run by the volunteering project for Cumbria, Helping Hands, DJ Emmanuel Boateng and African dance workshops, to witnessing cookery demonstrations – and tastings – from around the world, it will be an eclectic assault on the senses which will not disappoint.
Organised by the award-winning Multicultural Cumbria, it aims to share our similarities – and celebrate our differences, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate their cultures.
Arts, crafts, performances and workshops are scheduled to take place throughout the day from noon to 5pm.
The winners of a children’s competition to celebrate International Cake Day, which also takes place that day, will also be announced. The cake competition has been judged by Cumbria’s Great British Bake Off star Abbi Lawson, of Tebay.
Multicultural Cumbria has invited school pupils in three age categories to not only draw and design their own cake in celebration of the day, but to write an accompanying story about their cake and the international theme behind their design.
Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Eden Valley Hospice and Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, Pride in north Cumbria, Age UK, North West Ambulance Service and Cumbria police are just a few of the organisations who will be on hand to deliver interactive activities for all the family.
The majority of performers live and work in Cumbria, where eight per cent of the population is from across the seven seas – and they are united in their passion to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
With more than 70 languages spoken in Cumbrian schools and over 80 nationalities living and working in Cumbria, Multicultural Cumbria founder Saj Ghafoor OBE said it was the ideal time to share food together and make new friends.
Culture Bazaar began with 200 visitors, coming together at Greystone Community Centre in Carlisle for the first event. This year Saj expects up to 1,000 visitors to Workington’s first Culture Bazaar and will be “dead chuffed” if numbers exceed that.
“There is always a wonderful atmosphere at the events, which people always comment on,” said Saj. “The ethnic communities engage by performing dances, singing, music and making food so people can try authentic home cooking from all the continents.
“Culture Bazaar is a big family party and everyone is welcome. In 2020 more than 50 nationalities were involved and it seems to be a surprise to everyone that Cumbria is so diverse.
“We aim to share the arts and the social aspects people miss about their communities and bring it to a wider audience, which helps break barriers down.”
Culture Bazaar is not just about overcoming barriers, it’s also about unlocking the true Cumbrian community spirit of acceptance, understanding and friendship.
Multicultural Cumbria promotes cultural understanding and integration of the whole community. What better way than to use music, dance, food, arts and crafts to connect to people without the barrier of language? This offers everyone the opportunity to experience the richness of world cultures from within our diverse communities.
In 2022 Saj was awarded the OBE for Services to Cultural Awareness and Integration in Cumbria. Saj was the first Asian woman in Cumbria to receive the OBE. She is the founder of Multicultural Cumbria.
Culture Bazaar West would not be possible without the support of its sponsors: Family Connector Project, Sellafield Ltd, Cumberland Council, The Lottery Community Fund, and McMenon Engineering.
