"FROM the back streets of Bradford Moor to the rolling hills of Keighley" is the spread of this month's first-ever get British South Asian Heritage Month.
Communities across the district have inspired a grassroots collective of artists, writers and community organisers to create a series of more than 20 virtual activities.
They include a live cook along with TV chef Rahila Hussain; a storytelling night with people sharing personal tales and items from their heritage; a women’s cricket match special; an intercultural open mic night; a poetry and dance showcase; a Zoom chat with Bradford crime writer A A Dhand; an event marking the influence of South Asian food and fashion on mainstream British culture; and a comedy night entitled ‘Gigglewallahs’.
With support from Bradford Fringe Festival, events are running until August 17 with the aim of promoting the rich and vibrant contribution of South Asian diaspora communities to the life and identity of Bradford.
The month-long celebration is inspired by the first national South Asian Heritage Month, but the team is putting on an independent programme of events.
One of the coordinators, artist Munaza Kulsoom, said: “South Asian heritage is woven into the DNA of Bradford, and this is a real chance to reflect and celebrate our heritage.
“From the stories of the early immigrants from the subcontinent who arrived to work in the wool mills, to the new generation of young entrepreneurs and artists daring to dream; from tthe back streets of Bradford Moor to the rolling hills of Keighley; from the heady taste and smell of the city’s traditional curry culture to its emerging status as a foodie capital; and from the legendary Bradford Mela to the towering ambition of the 2025 culture bid, South Asian culture has helped shaped this city and its story, and will continue to do so.
“We’d love for people to get involved in our dynamic and diverse range of virtual events - we hope there’s something for everyone. We are hoping this is the start of a longer journey, and that Bradford SAHM will become an annual celebration.”
For more details and a full calendar of events, find Bradford SAHM on Facebook.
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