The Asian Womens Group organised a multicultural event hosted at Greystone community Centre on Sunday 10th June. The aim of the day was to bring together people of all nationalities together to make friends and to have fun. The activities going on during the day were varied around music, dance & song. With activities for children and adults alike. The ladies were kept very busy in between the workshops for Bollywood dancing, Bengali Dancing and Eygyptian dancing. The men were very busy watching!

Music workshops were provided by Veronica Perrin and Soundwave. Veronica kept the audience busy my handing out instruments for participation with support on the keyboards from a younger helper. Also playing the 'Tabla', an indian drum and a selecion of others

Soundwave, Chris Stone and fellow musicians, found plenty of willing partcipants for the 'Boom Dang', Brazilian inspired drumming. For the performance the team performed wonderfully as the Gamelan Orchestra. The variety of instruments were not just a pleasure for the ears, but all the instruments were carved pieces of art and an absolute treat. Highly reccommended.

The County's Countryside Rangers, Bob & Geoff, brought in bikes for young and old to have a more healthier and environmentally friendly approach to travel.

Hazvi sang the Zimbabwe National Anthem with a voice as sweet as honey. Dressed in tradtional outfit she explained about her culture.

Kelly liu added a little more culture with her Chinese caligraphy sessions, while the younger children were kept busy by volunteers from Newton Rigg College, Penrith, with Arts & Crafts. There were dance mats, table top football and Caroms Boards (An Indian game smilar to snooker except with discs instead of balls).

The finale in the performance, for the organisers in particular was 'Tarang'. A group who sing Bollywood songs old and new for two hours. The first time a live Asian band has performed at a multicultural event. An absolutely fantastic treat for all those who love Indian music.

A large ice sculpture in the shape of a large fruitbowl was kindly donated by Julie &Paul Higgins, and attracted a lot of attention, and kept the mango juice cold!

There was a selection of food, Samosas, pakoras, Lentil Dal, Aubergine curry & Pilao rice with chick peas. The food was donated by Saj Ghafoor- HDM Spice Shop & food sales raised over £250 for Cancer Research UK. A special thanks for the Malik family that slaved in the kitchen!

Everyone had a great time and commented that the atmosphere was fun and relaxed.

Many people had made the extra effort and come in Saris & Shalwar kameez, as well as African dress, with bright reds, oranges, blues and greens, it was a day for fun, friendship & community.

The Main Hall was decorated with colourful saris adorning the walls which twinkled with thier little diamond lights in the background. A good sense of community integration happened here, and hopefully will continue for the future.

The Asian Womens Group (Carlisle) aim to make this an annual event.

Thanks to everyone who came and volunteered.