A celebration of cultural diversity and overcoming disability is taking place at Fairfax and Knaresborough community centres this weekend (Saturday 30 September 2017 and Sunday 1 October 2017).
Featuring at Fairfax on Saturday afternoon is a free drop in event celebrating the rich diversity of the Harrogate district, with African drummers, Irish dancers, Tai Chi demonstrations and taster sessions plus a world food buffet with delicacies from across the globe.
The Celebrating Culture event will also feature children’s arts and craft sessions, and a ‘Tea and Talk’ hosted by Harrogate School of English.
Celebrating Culture runs from 2-5pm on Saturday 30 September. It has been put together by Fairfax Community Centre and Harrogate School of English, District of Sanctuary, Harrogate Islamic Association and Harrogate Welcomes Refugees.
On Sunday, the baton passes to Knaresborough Community Centre’s Celebrating Ability, with the focus on a celebration of ability and people who have overcome disability.
There will be a variety of activities and demonstrations accessible for all, including Boccia, Kurling, wheelchair basketball with York Sharks and tennis with Harrogate Tennis Centre, Visitors can make a banner to display at the centre or a treasure bottle to take away with them. The activities have been designed to be suitable for all ages and, more importantly, all abilities.
Celebrating Ability runs from 10am-3pm on Sunday 1 October.
Both events have been made possible following a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund’s Celebrate grants, which provide funding to bring local people together to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of local communities.
Councillor Stanley Lumley is Harrogate Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport. He said:
The celebrations this weekend are a great opportunity to highlight cultural diversity and increase awareness of the range of local activities available for people of all abilities. They promise to be a great way to celebrate our communities through music, dance, food and sport.
We are committed to supporting all sections of our community and I’m delighted we have been successful in our lottery bid so that we can bring these two events to the district.
For further information about Celebrating Culture at Fairfax Community Centre on Saturday 30 September contact Helen Dennis on 01423 883614, email helen.dennis@harrogate.gov.uk
For more on Celebrating Ability at Knaresborough Community Centre on Sunday 1 October contact Danielle Mulholland on 01423 862702, email danielle.mulholland@harrogate.gov.uk
