Norwich Mind’s Festival of Cultures - David Armstrong

Held in the gardens of the Heartsease headquarters of Norwich Mind, the international Festival of Cultures on Saturday, 14th August celebrated the wealth and diversity of multicultural arts and cuisine from around the city.

Part of Norwich Mind’s Inclusion Project, the event, opened by Derek James, Sheriff of Norwich, attracted sumptuous displays of food from around the world, including Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, India, Lithuania, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan and Russia.

International “gazebos” exhibited wide ranges of products from these and other nations and cultures, while crowds were entertained on stage by nonstop displays of dance, music, magic and drama. Besides sampling the culinary delights and receiving impromptu dance, juggling, stilt-walking and hula-hoop lessons, members of the public were invited to attend free sessions of therapy and massage in adjacent marquees.

Manager of the Inclusion Project, Rosita Juzenaite—part of the team which organized the festival—describes the project as “a beautiful, colourful and unique mosaic of different people, different cultures, different languages, different beliefs and experiences…”

Regarding the future of the annual festival, she added that “this year’s event aimed to celebrate and embrace the richness of our diverse community by encouraging understanding, appreciation and respect through a fun-filled day. Next August we hope to build on this year’s success with more stands and an even greater diversity of cultures”.

Rubina Kalra

UEA Indian Students Ambassador