LIVE MUSIC, dance and food from around the world, along with art exhibitions, will celebrate the contribution refugees and migrants have made to Coventry.
The ‘In The City’ extravaganza – presented by the Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre (CRMC) – runs from midday to 6pm in Broadgate and Shelton Square this Saturday, September 25.
The free event will celebrate the different cultures and experiences, as well as the contributions, through performances, food demonstrations and art installations.
The main stage in Broadgate will be hosted by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s Letitia George, with Vanny Radio as stage DJ.
It will feature live performances from local choreographer Louis Lewinson, Coventry poet John Bernard and many more bands, artists and dance groups.
Louis said: “I am absolutely honoured to be involved with in In The City and feel it is immensely important we continue to spread the feeling and display of togetherness and diversity in order to educate everyone to adopt a welcoming nature and to achieve absolute equality.”
World on a Plate food demonstrations will be brought by a cooking school led by refugees and migrants who will be sharing recipes for their favourite dishes from their country of origin.
Safa Aswaisi, from Libya, one of the chefs demonstrating her culinary skills, said: “I am a passionate cook and particularly enjoy making food from different cuisines to celebrate special occasions for events, friends and family.
“I love sharing my cooking with others.
“The food demonstration gives me the opportunity to share my favourite Libyan food and my skills.”
In Shelton Square, Hillz FM radio will host the festival displays – live, immersive art installations based on real-life experiences of refugees and migrants, along with other artwork from the children of Coventry.
The performances at Shelton Square have been curated by Last Mafuba from the Inini Initiative and Loraine Masiya Mponela from the Coventry Asylum and Refugee Action Group (CARAG).
Alka Droch, Creative Producer for CRMC’s ‘In The City’ festival, said: “Curating CRMC’s annual event during the City of Culture year has been extra special.
“We have been working closely with the local community and creatives to shape the event and bring together a festival that is vibrant and inclusive.
“Coventry shares so much history and culture and we are excited to bring real stories to the forefront and celebrate together in the heart of the city.”
