The Carlisle Cultural Bazaar returned this weekend as members of the city’s numerous communities came together to celebrate the diversity of Carlisle.

Over the two-day festival, which was held at Carlisle college, large crowds were treating to displays of Indian and Nigerian dancing, different types of food from across the globe, workshops and even traditional British clog dancing.

Performers included traditional Indian dancer Jay Naveen, Nigerian dancer and teacher Joy Dale and Punjabi Roots drumming academy alongside local food vendors Rosto One and MK Spice.

News and Star: People queueing up for the food made by local vendorsPeople queueing up for the food made by local vendors (Image: Isaac Cooper)The event – which was established in 2007 – has taken place intermittently over the years and in 2020 more than 4,000 people flocked to Richard Rose Central Academy for a weekend of fun and culture.

The Cultural Bazaar is organised by Multicultural Cumbria and founder Saj Ghafoor OBE said it was ‘brilliant’ to see Carlisle coming together.

“Bringing so many people together is what the Cultural Bazaar is all about” said Saj.

News and Star: Event founder, Saj Ghafoor OBE, wearing a traditional shalwar kameez outfitEvent founder, Saj Ghafoor OBE, wearing a traditional shalwar kameez outfit (Image: Isaac Cooper)“We are becoming so diverse. We've got over 80 nationalities and heritages here and it's an opportunity for people to really be proud of their identity and their heritage.

“Food brings everything together as does music and dance and to have that community engagement is what makes Cultural Bazaar special.

“It's about integration and cohesion. Some people look and think it's just for people from abroad. This is for everybody, the local community as well to have that opportunity to meet new friends and connect and see the diversity we have in Carlisle.

News and Star: Attendees enjoying the spring sunshineAttendees enjoying the spring sunshine (Image: Isaac Cooper)“I've lived here since I was seven and I've seen things change and being able to talk to people and connect makes that change happen.”

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The event was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, who said that the Cultural Bazaar was a ‘fantastic’ event.

“It’s a fantastic event and shows how much we can all learn from one another” said Mrs Hensman.

“Everybody coming together like this demonstrates what a vibrant, diverse community we have here.”

Plans are already underway for the next Cultural Bazaar with the promise to continue to make the event grow ‘even bigger’.