Culture mix adds up to a great day; DIVERSITY: Community groups come together for a festival celebration.

Byline: By Cara Simpson

A VIBRANT display of cultural diversity in Coventry was staged at the Belgrade Theatre.

The free Celebrating Diversity in Coventry festival recognised the contributions and achievements of ethnic minority voluntary organisations and community groups in the city.

Organised by the Coventry Ethnic Minority Action Partnership (CEMAP), it marked the 50th anniversary of the first cultural group set up under the Voluntary Service Council.

The one-day cultural showcase featured workshops, creative arts and crafts stalls, storytelling, dance and an exotic mix of cultural performances.

Among the multicultural displays were rap and soul artists P Nology & Mackson, a Bhangra dance and drumming act by Paradoxx Bix and traditional Irish music by Comhaltas Irish Music.

The city's Kurdish community also made a contribution with a stunning Vesalka dance and there were performances by Coventry's Soulful gospel choir, the Cameroon Dance and Music Group and the Dolky Drummers.

Marva Al Ansaari, a 43-year-old community worker, of Hampton Road, Foleshill, whose parents were born in Barbados, was full of praise for the event.

He said: "There was nothing like this when I was growing up and cultures were much more divided than they are today.

"I think the troubles my parents went through when they first came here have paved the way for new communities coming to the UK, and the communities seem to link together more.

"I wish there had been events like this when I was younger."

Anna Matwijiwskyi, of the Ukrainian Youth Association, said: "This are really important to us because it means we can see each other's cultures and share experiences.

"It also means our youngsters get to meet other youngsters from different backgrounds. "We all really appreciate the opportunity to show others what we do."

During the event, keynote speaker Judy Wang, chief executive of Environment Network, told of the national perspective on cultural diversity and the opportunities, as well as challenges, it poses in today's society.

Rajo Saira, CEMAP development manager, said: "Today was all about bringing different communities together and celebrating diversity in Coventry.

"It is especially important in the modern climate because the city is becoming more diverse which has been reflected in the growth of our membership."

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JB160208DIVE2 SHARING EXPERIENCES... Workshop participants (from left) Bryn Tittle, Marva Alansaari, Ryan Chambers and Zahrafina Saira-Dhulda and (front) Joel Ducran, Dennis Carty, Gurdip Mann, Paul Smith, Verinder Kaur and Lynne Chambers. Pictures: James Balfour; JB160208DIVE1 PROUD TRADITIONS... Ukranian dancers (From left) Nina Senuk, Maria Dzula, Oksana Ababurko, and Anna Matwikwskyj.