Following a four year break Carlisle Culture Bazaar is back in 2018 to celebrate diversity in the city of Carlisle.

With over 45 different nationalities living and working in Carlisle, it can be hard to believe how diverse the city has become over the last ten years. With heritages ranging from the Far East, Asia and Africa to the Middle East and Europe all represented, there is a growing ethnic minority population in the city.

Carlisle Culture Bazaar, a two day event taking place from 17 – 18 February, aims to bring local and ethnic minorities together to share similarities and celebrate differences. Held at the Richard Rose Academy, it is an opportunity for local people to experience food, dance, music and art through the eyes of the people for whom is a way of life for, rather than the perception developed through the media.

The founder of the event, Saj Ghafoor, delivered the first of seven original Culture Bazaars back in 2007. Saj noticed a need for the event when she and her husband opened their Asian grocery & halal butcher business in Carlisle back in 2005, she explained: “We really did not expect the ethnic mix of people living in Carlisle. The first thing customers would ask was if we knew anyone from their country. I ended up having a red book where I starting writing their name, number and country of heritage and matching them up with any other customers that also wanted a friend.”

Culture Bazaar was born shortly after, with 200 visitors coming together at Greystone Community Centre for the first event. Gradually increasing in popularity over the years, the festival saw an average of 2,000 visitors each day, however, due to managerial issues the last event took place 2013. This year’s comeback event will see a whole host of workshops, food demonstrations and performances such as the Chinese Dragon dance by Eastriggs Kung Fu Club, Bollywood dance workshops, local Nepalese dance performances and taste sensations from around the world, with food from Cumbrian businesses.

Saj said: “The response has always been positive allowing for a safe, friendly environment where culture is shared through the purest form or kindness, respect and genuine interest.

“The one thing that those involved always commented on is the atmosphere of the event. The ethnic communities got engaged by performing dances, singing, music and making food so people could try authentic home cooking from all the continents. Culture Bazaar is a big family party and everyone is welcome.”

The event is organised by Multicultural Carlisle, a charitable organisation made up of people who understand the barriers of social and community cohesion. They continue to host the Culture Bazaar, a free event, in a bid to overcome some of those barriers and to access the true Carlisle community spirit of tolerance, understanding and crucially, friendship.

Over the next five years, the ambition is to have a ten day winter Multicultural festival throughout the city, by getting as many venues involved to host their own cultural contribution.

Saj added: “Culture Bazaar belongs to the City of Carlisle and its people. Without the 100’s of volunteers that have and continue to be actively involved Culture Bazaar wouldn’t happen. It’s a great opportunity to dress up in world costumes and be a part of Multicultural Carlisle.”

For more information visit www.multiculturalcarlisle.org.uk