Hear amazing music, experience great art and dance, and sample food from around the world. All for FREE! It’s time for Culture Feast at Wythenshawe Forum Library!

photograph of Beth Powell

Culture Feast: Festival in my Library takes place at Wythenshawe Forum Library on Thursday 14th November as part of our Creative Spaces programme. Beth Powell has been working and supporting the young people who are curating the event, here we talk to Beth to find out more. 

Who is involved in the event?

This event has been led by a group of young people from Manchester Enterprise Academy, they’ve done an amazing job of coming up with a theme and message, deciding what activities and performances should be on offer, deciding how to allocate the budget and putting together the branding. 

It’s been a pleasure guiding the young people and working with them. What is also fantastic is that that the rest of the community has rallied behind them. We will have activities from WCHG Youth Forum and from Paint Pots Arts Group who meet in the Library. 

Tell us more about the activities that will be at the event

I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but some highlights will be the free food (look out for Samosa Shack’s mouth-watering savouries), a huge Brazilian Samba Band with dancers, and some top up-and-coming musical talent from local emerging artists. And of course, our sunshiney host and singer/songwriter Pavia Ward. 

What can people expect from the event? Why should they come?!

It’s a chance to come together as a community, celebrate all the variety that makes life spicy and joyous, and just have a great evening. There’s something for everyone and all ages are welcome. You’ll hear amazing music, experience art and dance and sample some food from around the world. And it’s all FREE! Come along and get stuck in!

Which cultures will be celebrated?

It’s going to be a sensory riot of influences and experiences. Sample flavours and creations from Brazil, Thailand, the Caribbean, Japan, the UK and many more. 

Why are young people curating?

It’s so important that communities offer young people opportunities to shape the spaces they use and it’s fantastic Wythenshawe Forum Library is providing a platform for young people by giving them the opportunity to curate this event. 

We asked young people what they wanted to say to their community, and they came back with this idea, which is totally inspiring. The event has a positive message about unity, diversity, taking moments to learn from each other and celebrating in a space that is for everyone. It’s been a pleasure and a blessing to be in a position to impart the skills and create the opportunity for the young people to bring their vision to life. 

Beth Powell is Creative Producer for Manchester Creative Spaces Libraries.  Culture Feast at Wythenshawe Forum Library Thursday 14th November, 4-7pm. The event is free and there is no need to book.  More info at creativespacesmcr.com #CreativeSpacesMcr