Derry to host One World North West Cultural Festival

PICTURED ABOVE: ONE WORLD FESTIVAL . . . . The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lillian Seenoi-Barr pictured at the launch of the One World North West Cultural Festival which will be held on Sunday, 15th September. Included are Housing Executive, Foyle Port, Hive, BBI, Song Without Borders, Missing Time, Rafiki Collections NI, Seoul Food, Action Mental Health, North West Community Centre and Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum. 

A local community project is taking the lead in hosting a cultural festival to celebrate Global Diversity and Local Unity.

The vibrant Multicultural Festival will take place in the city on Sunday, 15th September 2024 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at Bishop’s Gate, along the Peace Wall. 

Organised by the Bogside & Brandywell Initiative, the event is a celebration of the rich cultural diversity within the local community, bringing together people from various backgrounds for a day of unity and festivity.

The festival is being held in partnership with Derry City & Strabane District Council with funding from the International Fund for Ireland and the Housing Executive. This collaboration underscores the commitment of these organisations to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and community cohesion in the region.

Looking ahead to the event, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said: “The One World North West Cultural Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our community. It’s a chance for people from all backgrounds to come together, share in different cultural expressions, and deepen our understanding of each other's traditions. Everyone is welcome to attend the event.”

The festival will welcome everyone says Cat Brogan, a representative of the Bogside & Brandywell Initiative: “The One World North West Cultural Festival, part of the IFI funded Peace Barrier Project, exemplifies BBI’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious society, built upon the principles of community understanding and mutual respect, enabling the transformation of both physical and psychological barriers within the community.”

In keeping with the principles that underpin our work, the Festival will have a little something for everyone;

Food lovers can sample culinary delights from around the world including Thai street food, Latvian dishes, Malaysian snacks, Korean, Indian, Chinese and Polish specialties. Food vendors include Sandy's African Food Hub from Nigeria, La Tia Juana's Venezuelan Empanadas and South African dishes from Farley’s Flavours.   

Live music performances will feature local and international artists. Performances will include traditional Irish music by Acadamh Ceoil Derry and Ulster Scots culture from Sollus Dancers, Making Time and Up-Beat. Classical Indian dance will be performed by Khushi Shivashankar, Anicham Kalisetty and Ojavsi. 

Music will include Local Afro Beats Rapper Hollarbars and Asha Ari, an Irish-Ghanaian R&B Soul singer. Asha Ari has been making waves on the music scene, recently representing Dublin on "Songs of Ireland," which aired on RTÉ 1 earlier this summer. With performances at major events like Electric Picnic, The Late Late Show, and even Trafalgar Square in London, Asha is truly a rising star to watch. 

Kicking off the show at 1.00pm is Songs Without Borders, an informal singing group that brings together locals and newcomers—including asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants—will perform a selection of group songs. Their repertoire includes music from Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Africa, offering a beautiful blend of voices and cultures.

The finale at 4.00pm will be a Pan-African fashion show by Rafiki Collections, Founded by Madge Kelly, 2024, winner of the Mighty Women Award NI in the Fashion category. Originally from Nairobi and now based in Plumbridge, Madge brings the spirit of Africa to life through vibrant prints and unique creations. 

The One World Festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of culture and community, featuring a diverse array of market stalls offering global crafts, foods, and unique products. Attendees can also enjoy interactive workshops, fun-filled bouncy castles for the kids, and the artistry of henna tattoos. This family-friendly event promises something for everyone, with activities that reflect the rich diversity of our local and international communities. 

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

For more information and timings, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1570657977132127