Suffolk’s diversity to be celebrated at the One Big Multicultural Festival

One Big Multicultural Festival Launch 2018

East Anglian Daily Times article

The first details of this year’s One Big Multicultural Festival in Suffolk have been revealed.

The free event, which celebrates the county’s diversity and promotes bringing communities together, will take place on September 2 in Alexandra Park, Ipswich.

In previous years, it has attracted crowds of up to 8,000 – and this year it is expected to be the best yet.

Organised by the Bangladeshi Support Centre and backed by the Arts Council, the event is now in its eighth year.

Boshor Ali, chairman of the Bangladeshi Support Centre, said: “It’s getting bigger and better and stronger.

“It is important to include everybody and celebrate the different cultures we have.”

He added: “We are trying to get different things on board this year. We have two or three international performers.”

He also praised the passion and dedication of the organisations involved.

Food and drink from international cuisines plus a range of activities for all the family will be on offer throughout the day.

BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Wayne Bavin will be hosting this year’s event.

There will also be a fantastic selection of live music from around the world – this year, that will include top musicians from West Africa – as well as dance, and sports on offer.

Ipswich Borough Council has supported the event since its inception. Council leader David Ellesmere spoke at the launch, held in Alexandra Park this week, about the importance of the event and reflected on its huge success.

Meanwhile, Shayra Begum, from the Bangladeshi Support Centre, said: “We need something that brings people together.

“We are all just people, and we need to get that message out to young people.”

Organisers say everyone is invited to the festival – with guest numbers expected to top 8,000. The action starts at noon and finishes at around 6pm.

While the event is in Ipswich, organisers say it is very much a festival for the whole of Suffolk.

There will also be free stalls to communities who want to promote and highlight their heritage and culture.

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One Big Multicultural Festival

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