Derry groups invited to take part in multi-cultural 'One World' Festival

Local ethnic minority groups are invited to join in a global celebration of culture by taking part in the Ubuntu 'One World – North West Multi Cultural Festival' taking place on September 23rd.

Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the festival – formerly known as Ubuntu - has become a well-established highlight of the City and District's cultural calendar, and usually takes place during the annual Spring Carnival programme. The programme is a colourful celebration of a variety of cultures showcased through traditional music, song, dance, and cuisine.

In recent months Council's Good Relations team has been working closely with a multi-cultural steering group established to further enhance and develop the programme and to explore how other services in relation to Black Asian and Minority Asian Communities can be improved.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, encouraged groups from local ethnic communities to join in the event. "The Ubuntu Festival has been a popular highlight of our Spring Carnival Programme for the past seven years and it has really grown in momentum during that time. I am hoping that under its new name and with the support of our local groups, it will continue to grow and develop, embracing all ethnic groups who have chosen to make Derry and Strabane their home.

"The festival brings communities together promoting inclusion and understanding and giving other cultures the chance to enjoy new experiences and learn more about other ethnic traditions."

Pauline O'Neill Good Relations Officer with DCSDC said: "We really want to enhance and develop Council's role in celebrating and supporting all communities so have been working closely with local ethnic minority groups to help shape this year's programme and we want to offer the opportunity for as many local people from all ethnic backgrounds to take part.

"It's a wonderful way of sharing unique cultures and traditions and promoting better understanding about our neighbours from other communities."

Groups and individuals who wish to take part are invited to submit a quote for any product that promotes culture, heritage and traditions, to be showcased as part of the One World Festival in September 2023 and other outreached programmes.

The exact nature of the commissions is not pre-determined, but music, dance, podcasts, exhibitions, film etc. can be used as medium to interpret this product. Works must be designed, developed and finalised by March 23.

Anyone interested can find out more by going to https://www.derrystrabane.com/ Community/Good-Relations/ Cultural-Commission

Submissions should be sent to Pauline.oneill@derrystrabane. com by Monday 16th January at 4pm.