As a way of marking the black History, which is celebrated every year in October, Taste of Africa - an annual cultural event which had previously been held in October 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, was held on 16th October 2009 at the Middlesbrough town hall for the fifth time.
This time around, the event witnessed two sessions. The first session, held in the morning was especially for children while the second session held in the evening was for children and adults. There was a huge turnout during both sessions as Middlesbrough Town Hall was packed to full capacity.
Cultures CIC hosted the non-profit making, colourful and cultural event - ‘A Taste of Africa’; coinciding with a range of events all around the UK promoting Black history and culture within British society. It featured stimulating and vibrant series of events in Tees Valley; creating experiences for residents and visitors alike that are unique and completely different to everyday living in a culturally diversity area.
The event promoted community integration and cultural awareness; access and learning opportunities via cultural activities, thereby promoting understanding between and within the communities; enhanced respect and values within the community; and promoted opportunities to directly experience diversity and appreciate contributions of African communities to the arts and culture in the region.
The audience included individuals, small organizations, providers and trainers, students and the private sector; Tees Valley community: all ages interested in exploring and understanding African arts and culture; Organizations and Individuals from the Tees Valley whose work promotes diversity, regeneration, community cohesion, inclusion, integration, business and the arts and culture; Representatives of the regions new African communities; and Members of the Tees Valley Black Minority Ethnic community.
The events during the month include:
Street Performances:
The local community experienced a glimpse of different cultures as they shop. It was a carnival style procession in the heart of Middlesbrough with participation of artists, performers, school children and groups that provided multicultural exposure not seen in Middlesbrough before.
The Evening Showcase:
This involved a multi-dimensional showcase for local African talent, celebrating African art, poetry, fashion, performance, design, music, food and though at the Town Hall, Middlesbrough, local entrepreneurship and excellence was celebrated alongside fabulous performances by remarkable African entertainers.
STAGESTAR Northeast 2009:
A series of performances were organized to showcase the talents of the youths within the Tees-Valley region and North East of UK. The performers included acts from different genres such as; Singing, Rapping, Dancing, Stand up comedy, Break Dancing, Gospel, Ballet, Circus act and Playing live acoustics on stage. The event promoted and also provided exposure for the local youth talents within the region to the public and also gave the last 3 finalist a chance to perform and showcase their talent in front of a much bigger audience at the evening showcase.
Celebrating Diversity Awards Dinner 2nd October 2009 on the 2nd of October @ Judges Hotel, Yarm:
As part of the celebration of cultural diversity in the Northeast, the Celebrating Diversity Awards (CDA) Dinner was established to recognise people and organisations within the region that are contributing to community cohesion and integration. The event rewarded, and promoted the contributions of new communities, BMEs, refugees, migrants, organisations and businesses to the local community. Also, it acknowledged and recognised organisations that work with or provide services to diverse groups.
