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Ipswich Star article<\/a><\/p>\n A cultural exhibition event, held at Suffolk New College from midday to 4pm on Sunday, with traditional delicacies available to sample.<\/p>\n The festival centres around a pita competition, with judges poring over the South Asian sweet and savoury snacks.<\/p>\n There was also traditional food and jewellery stalls, henna art, children\u2019s entertainment, and the BSC\u2019s educational awards which recognises the achievements of those who have supported the centre.<\/p>\n Mohammed Allam, joint BSC manager, said: \u201cIt was fantastic. We were slightly concerned that with a few other events and an England game, that people wouldn\u2019t show up but we didn\u2019t need to worry.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was buzzing, around 500 people came along to enjoy the event. We had information stalls, charity fundraising stalls and of course the pita competition.\u201d<\/p>\n Launched 20 years ago by volunteers, the BSC strives to support people in the Bangladeshi and other black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in Suffolk and engage them in social, cultural, educational and recreational activities.<\/p>\n Mr Allam said: \u201cEverything we do is about bringing the community together.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about learning about other people\u2019s culture and treating each other with respect to build a cohesive community.<\/p>\n \u201cThat underlines everything we do.\u201d<\/p>\n The organisation provides a number of capacity building programmes for local communities, a resource and learning centre and key referral advice agency. The BSC also works closely with statutory and voluntary organisation partners on projects related to health, education, employment, housing, welfare rights and crime.<\/p>\n The centre runs a homework club for students aged 11-18 at Northgate High School in term time as well as a sports club at Northgate Sports Centre for children and families to take part in activities.<\/p>\n Mr Allam added: \u201cA lot of violence that you see is mainly to do with young people, who have nowhere to go.”<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the things we do is run clubs to support the young people and it\u2019s about raising aspirations and educating them to do positive things in their community.\u201d<\/p>\n