mojatu .com
14 Community
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR:
Celebrating diversity in Hyson Green
By Lekeisha Walters
Hyson Green Cultural Festival saw a vast array of cultures come
together to celebrate our diverse community. The annual event - held
on the Forest Recreation Ground - has grown in the 3 years since its
inception.
With more than 40 stalls, this year saw a variety of world foods, music
performances and free workshops for everyone to get involved in.
Local organisations were on hand to give information on community
groups, health care and projects being held throughout the city.
Headlining act Young T & Bugsey brought a fresh energy to the
festival and were a huge hit with those both young and old. The
upcoming stars showcased their raw talent as the audience gathered
at their feet to sing along. Also making an appearance with stunning
vocals was aspiring singer Charlotte Brailsford who will be studying at
The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in October. Performing for
the third consecutive year, the Roma Band gave the festival a vibrant lift
and brought different sections of the community together with their
musical talents.
Hosted by larger-than-life character Patty Dumplin, the Health Corner
proved popular with visitors at the festival. Providing free health
checks for diabetes and eye health - amongst other health conditions
prevalent in the BME community - the theme ‘healthy me, healthy
local community’ was clear. The Terrence Higgins Trust were on hand to
provide information on preventing the transmission of HIV and offered
free ‘rapid testing’ with results given in the strictest confidence.
Free yoga, zumba and capoeira sessions got everybody on the ground
active in the sunshine - a fun and entertaining way to keep fit.
Veronica Barnes, Chair Person of the Hyson Green Cultural Festival and
founder of Blue Mountain Women’s Group thanked everybody for the
great work they put towards yet another successful event.
Veronica said. “It is my sincere thanks to all the committee members,
volunteers and everyone who has given their time selflessly to make
this year such a roaring success. This year’s event has led us to
recognise the wealth of individual and collective resources present in
our communities. Working and learning together can only add strength
and vigour to the further development of our diverse communities.
It’s about bringing people together as we share skills abilities and
experiences that will afford us the opportunity to work towards
Community Cohesion. The information gathered from this year`s
festival will inform us on how to plan for future events.”