Culture In The Park
On Sunday 13th September, Queen Elizabeth Country Park played host to an eclectic day of diversity, activities and performance organised by Drum Housing and other local partners. From Reggae bands to freestyle football, climbing walls to drumming workshops, Indian dance to hula hooping and relaxing massages to clay pigeon shooting with the Army, all were on offer completely free of charge to the local community.
As well as the popular free activities and performances on the main stage, there was a host of international food and craft stalls as well as an interactive stage, roller-skating and the ubiquitous Morris Dancers.
Mrs Eve Hope, Lead Councillor for Equality & Diversity at East Hampshire District Council said, “An event like this brings together different diverse cultures to experience and appreciate each others lives and behaviour. This year has really built on last year’s festival and provides a wonderful opportunity for families to experience such diversity.”
There were many fine musical performances including Aimee, Xo-thermix, Cinnamon Sky and Faze 3, but for many parents the highlight was the Children’s Workshop performances. The local youngsters had all attended the workshops run by Drum Housing during the school holidays and demonstrated their newly acquired talents in Indian, Street and Irish dancing as well as a rousing drumming display.
Jennifer Clarke’s daughter Florence, aged 8, loved the Irish dancing workshops at the Petersfield School. “She had an absolute ball and made lots of new friends. She’s been practising her Irish dancing in the house and has shown the entire family what she has learnt. We’re very pleased she enjoys the dancing so much and glad it was dancing rather than drumming that she’s been practising non-stop.”
Tina Lewendon’s daughter aged 12, also attended the Petersfield workshops, “She went on the first day and stayed all week as she really enjoyed it. It’s a great opportunity to perform at the festival and a brilliant local activity for the Summer holidays.”
Drum has organised this free community event in partnership with Downland Housing, Kingfisher Housing, Home Housing, Petersfield Housing, A2 Dominion, Swaythling Housing, Communities First, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council.
Rebecca Probert, a Community Project Worker at Drum Housing who was largely responsible for the festival said, “We were delighted with the turn out and to see such a wide range of the community enjoying a fun filled day celebrating diversity and cultural acceptance.”
