On Saturday July 21st in Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt, there will be a free event bringing different communities together, featuring African-inspired music and showcasing local musical talent. Performing will be Pablo U-Wa (African/French reggae), supported by Roots Melody (African fusion jazz and reggae) and Henwen (North Yorkshire’s Goddesses of Acappella).
Tees Valley Arts and African Arts Association are calling the event ‘WorldFest Acoustic’ – this partnership have run the WorldFest as an annual festival celebrating diversity and showcasing local talent since 2006, and headliners over the years have included Tinariwen, Horace Andy, Aswad and the late great Gregory Isaacs. This year money is tighter – same story all over! – but thanks to the Baring Foundation and the Northern Rock Foundation, TVA and AAA will continue to put on events and activities for people who are newly arrived in the UK and the Tees Valley, and this event will be the kick off.
Rowena Sommerville, Director of Tees Valley Arts commented: “TVA have been using the arts to support people who are new to the UK in rebuilding their lives since about 2002; they believe that through sharing enjoyable cultural events communities can come together and learn to get along in a relaxed and natural way. TVA also supports creative individuals in those new communities to find out about activities and networks through which they can develop their talents.”
TVA has previously had funding from the Baring Foundation to support this aspect of their work, and now that grant has finished, TVA is delighted to say that the Northern Rock Foundation will be funding a part time specialist worker for three years.
The Worldfest Acoustic event will start at about 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm, is free to enter, and all are welcome. Get out your dancing shoes!
For further information contact Maurice Dezou on 07525 053193 or Rowena Sommerville on 01642 264651.