Fife Mela and Cultural Carnival success
Organisers of an ethnic festival hope to make it an annual event.
One of the dancers in action.
- By Paul Reoch
- Published in the Courier : 27.09.10
- Published online : 27.09.10 @ 10.05am
A number of cultures gathered in Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, to mark a first for Fife.
The Fife Mela and Cultural Carnival made its first showing in the park's Glen Pavilion, with a diverse range of attractions to entertain the public.
Organised by Fife Ethnic Communities, the event included exotic food, international fashion, multi-cultural musicians, arts and crafts and face painting.
The proceedings were opened by the Fife Constabulary Band with Chief Constable Norma Graham the main speaker.
Mela means gathering in many Asian languages and it was an appropriate term for the range of activities on offer.
Three marquees were set up to cater for international cuisine, children's activities and a quiet haven featuring story telling and poetry.
A food marquee sold local and ethnic food, while the children's marquee had a variety of activities including Polish arts and crafts, Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, African drumming workshops and Nepalese basket weaving.
Naeem Khalid a co-ordinator with FRAE (Fairness, Race, Awareness and Equality Group) Fife, said, "Fife is home to a rich and diverse population and we felt that this should be celebrated.
"We anticipate building on this year's gathering to make it an annual event."
Councillor Brian Goodall, strategic chairman of Fife Council's housing and communities committee, said, "Celebrating 2010 is continuing successfully into the latter part of the year, showcasing Fife's unique cultural and historic identity.
"2010 has been chosen specifically to launch the Fife Mela and Cultural Carnival and the council's investment recognises it as a key event in the calendar."
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