The first Culture in the Park Festival at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Saturday 6th September was a great success despite the inclement weather. The audience who braved the wind and rain were rewarded with an eclectic mix of entertainment. The event was opened by a stunning Chinese Dragon dance, with other performances from the Strawberry Quartet, Africappella singers and Ceri James and a mesmerising performance from 13 year old local singer/songwriter Aimee brought tears to the eyes of some onlookers. Other acts included African drumming, Flamenco and Belly Dancing.
The first Culture in the Park Festival at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Saturday 6th September was a great success despite the inclement weather. The audience who braved the wind and rain were rewarded with an eclectic mix of entertainment. The event was opened by a stunning Chinese Dragon dance, with other performances from the Strawberry Quartet, Africappella singers and Ceri James and a mesmerising performance from 13 year old local singer/songwriter Aimee brought tears to the eyes of some onlookers. Other acts included African drumming, Flamenco and Belly Dancing.
The day, organised by a partnership led by Drum, was galvanised by MC Coco P who came fresh from the Notting Hill Carnival to inject his energy and humour into running the day from the Main Stage.
Another major highlight was the performance from local children who had attended Multicultural Workshops set up at various locations over the East Hampshire district. The week long workshops were offered free to local children by Drum Housing Association, to learn new cultural skills and their enthusiastic and passionate performance in front of all the onlookers was a fitting culmination of their dedication.
There were many free activities for people to try including workshops in Belly Dancing, Freestyle Football, Drumming and Chinese Crafts as well as story telling and free face painting and Henna tattoos.
Rebecca Probert, Community Project Worker and main organiser said: “All the hard work paid off despite the wind and rain. Just seeing the kids perform live on stage was enough for me and all the positive feedback especially from the parents and the young people who attended the workshops made the whole project worthwhile. I really hope we can work together with our partners next year.”
Mr Gareth Bowden, whose children Bethany aged 12, and 9 year old Jack, attended the workshops said: “The kids both thoroughly enjoyed the workshops provided by Drum, and knowing they were in a safe environment over the week saved my wife having to take a week's holiday from work. Jack’s a footballer, but even he enjoyed learning and performing the dance at the Festival. We were both tremendously proud watching them and had a great day despite the rain.”