The sun shone on the Borough Gardens and the Festival kicked off from 11am with a lively African Dance workshop with the Mayor and Mayoress and the Town Crier joining in the spirit of the day.
The Festival trumped last year’s event with diverse performances on the World Music and Dance Stage and activities around the site with demonstrations ranging from African drumming, Latvian Dance, and Chinese Cookery with local celebrity chef, Andy Chu.
One of the many highlights was Polenez Dance and Choir with 16 performers from across Dorset with fabulous colourful classic costumes from different regions of Poland. “Our aim is to promote traditional Polish folk dance and music to show people our culture and customs, which we brought with us to this country from our home. We are proud of our culture and tradition and it brings us a great pleasure and happiness to be able to perform at the Festival”
Nepali culture was highlighted this year in the form of traditional dance, art exhibitions and the Gurkas from Blandford Camp competed in the annual Tug of War competition. The event also raised hundreds of pounds for the relief fund for the victims of the Nepal earthquake.
The event is supported by many organisations:
“This FREE event could not take place without the continued support by so many local organisations and volunteers to make this festival such a success. With over 3000 people attending, we are delighted to secure a culturally enriching and welcoming day for all our performers and for everyone attending”.
We are very grateful for the support from the sponsors: Dorset NHS Healthcare, Dorset Race Equality Council, Dorchester Town Council, West Dorset District Council, Magna Housing, Dorset Community Action, Dorset Volunteer Centre, Healthwatch Dorset, Dorset Co-operative Party, POPP’s, Dorset Police and Dorchester Local Area Partnership” said Sarah Reeves – Festival Co-ordinator.
“Dorset One World Festival provided Dorset CCG and Dorset HealthCare with excellent opportunity to engage with diverse communities in a celebration of different cultures. The music, food and atmosphere in a relaxed setting made the whole event something to enjoy”. David Corbin, from Dorset Healthcare who has been instrumental in the event from the launch in 2009.