A FREE fun day will celebrate West Cumbria’s vibrant multicultural community, as well as revealing the winners of a cake competition with a twist.

It takes place at Workington Academy on Sunday ,November 26 and promises a day out that all the family will enjoy. 

Arts, crafts, performances and workshops are scheduled to take place throughout the day from noon to 5pm.

The winners of a children’s competition to celebrate International Cake Day, which also takes place that day, will also be announced. The cake competition has been judged by Cumbria’s own Great British Bake Off star Abbi Lawson, from Tebay.

Multicultural Cumbria has invited school pupils in three age categories to not only draw and design their own cake in celebration of the day, but to write an accompanying story about their cake and the international theme behind their design.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Eden Valley Hospice and Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, Pride in north Cumbria, Age UK, North West Ambulance Service and Cumbria Police are just a few of the organisations who will be on hand to deliver interactive activities for all the family.

Multicultural Cumbria founder Saj Ghafoor OBE says it’s the ideal time to share food together and make new friends.

Culture Bazaar began with 200 visitors, coming together at Greystone Community Centre in Carlisle for the first bazaar. This year Saj expects up to 1,000 visitors to Workington’s first Culture Bazaar and will be “dead chuffed” if numbers exceed that.

“There is always a wonderful atmosphere at the events, which people always comment on,” said Saj. “The ethnic communities engage by performing dances, singing, music and making food so people can try authentic home cooking from all the continents.

“Culture Bazaar is a big family party and everyone is welcome. In 2020 more than 50 nationalities were involved and it seems to be a surprise to everyone that Cumbria is so diverse.

“We aim to share the arts and the social aspects people miss about their communities and bring it to a wider audience, which helps break barriers down.”

Culture Bazaar West would not be possible without the support of its sponsors: Family Connector Project, Sellafield Ltd, Cumberland Council, The Lottery Community Fund, and McMenon Engineering.

Dr Grace Thomas, Project Coordinator at Family Connector Project, said: “The Family Connector Project is a collaboration between Cumberland County Council and Cumbria Education Trust that aims to provide additional support and opportunities to schools and their families across the county. Since January, the project has provided a vast array of services such as mental health support, training for school staff, parental support sessions, and new experiences for pupils.

“We are thrilled to support Multicultural Cumbria in this exciting event that will connect communities and celebrate Cumbria’s diverse cultures.”