ORUMA to host special Christmas night at Carlisle's Rockcliffe Centre

Organised by non-profit ORUMA (Organisation of United Malayalies), the Nakshatra Raav event (which translates to Star Night) will take place at Carlisle's Rockcliffe Centre on December 27. 

The event promises a day full of festivities, starting at 2pm and continuing until 1-10pm.

Sneha Jestin, executive member of the group, said: "We want to take the pressure off for a day and provide an opportunity for all international people in Cumbria, as well as their extended families, to come together - everyone is welcome to join us." 

Families celebrating at ORUMA festivities in the past. (Image: ORUMA)

ORUMA, a group largely made up of NHS international staff, has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among international residents in Cumbria.

All of the members are from the south Indian state of Kerala and they currently reside in different locations in Cumbria, including Carlisle, Penrith, Appleby and Whitehaven. 

Many of the members are actively employed at the Cumberland Infirmary, including Sneha who is a staff nurse in the A&E department. 

The organisation has become a support network for those who are far from their home countries.

Smiles all round at previous ORUMA festivities (Image: ORUMA)

"We've done this since internationals started arriving in Cumbria.

"This event came from the request of many nurses who want to join a community and celebrate together.

"We already have 180 people registered for the event, but we are expecting around 200," she said.

The event is accessible to all, offering free transportation for those without access to a vehicle.

Tickets for the Christmas event are priced at £20 for adults, and £10 for youngsters aged 5-16, while children under 5 can attend for free.

To find out more, you can contact orumacarlisleuk@gmail.com

Or visit ORUMA on Facebook.