Multicultural day for Shoreham

International Neighbours Day multicultural festival in Shoreham. Sandani Wickramasinghe left and Dohara De Silva who run Binuz Boutique in Shoreham and put on a fashion show. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160625-201932008

International Neighbours Day was held at the Shoreham Centre in Pond Road on June 25, and included a number of arts and dance performances from a number of cultures across the world, as well as food from many different ethnic cultures.

The event was organised by International Neighbours, a group of volunteers who celebrate diversity with the ‘aim to break down barriers and dispel fear of the ‘other’’.

Penny Joseph, chairman of International Neighbours said: “International Neighbours is dedicated to the promotion of community cohesion by celebrating diversity, to build positive relationships, respect, trust and value for each other, to create a strong and inclusive community.

International Neighbours Day multicultural festival in Shoreham. DJ Tony Kalume. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160625-201946008

“The whole event is like a party. The music makes you want to dance. The day finished with some wonderful African music. We were introduced to some African instruments and the audience was encouraged to join in with singing and clapping.”

The event was also opened by Celebration Samba, a band based in Shoreham that now has over 40 members dedicated to creating Brazilian-style music.

The band led a procession outside of the hall, through St Mary’s Churchyard, and into the main precinct where they played for ten minutes before heading back to the centre.

There was also cultural performances this year from representatives of China, Sri Lanka and Africa.

International Neighbours Day multicultural festival in Shoreham. Sophie Joseph and daughter Annabelle who won a doll. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160625-202037008

Artist Alison Lapper MBE attended to award prizes for an art competition organised by International Neighbours for schools.

The organisation was formed in 2009, and stages the event annually to celebrate diversity.

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International Neighbours Day multicultural festival in Shoreham. Celebration Samba - L to R Teri Slatter, David Simmonds and Jim Bent. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160625-202010008

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