Dudley residents unite at cultural event (From Dudley News)
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Dudley residents unite at cultural event
4:30pm Monday 22nd June 2009 in Search
Phil from Russells Hall Hospital Radio learns a few new bellydancing moves from Tina Hellings.
DUDLEY shoppers sampled music, art and food from around the world at a free fun day in the town centre.
Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, in partnership with Dudley Council organised the ‘Celebrating Communities Together Fun Day’ on Saturday to coincide with national Refugee Week and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
The event was aimed at bringing together residents from various ethnic backgrounds as well as encouraging interaction between the different communities in Dudley.
Residents were able to sample different foods as well as watching singing and dancing for members of the Sudanese community.
Children were also able to request a special hand painted balloon crafted by a local refugee artist, as well as taking part in belly dancing workshops .
Tina Hellings, a bellydancing teacher from Halesowen, performed Bollywood and bellydancing sessions throughout the afternoon.
She said: “The day was fantastic with all ages and cultures joining in. It was nice to see community spirit across the Black Country. “Events such as this one help to change the perceptions of refugees ad celebrate the culture in the Black Country community.”
National Refugee Week ran from June 15 to June 21, while Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Month is celebrated throughout June.
