All are welcome at Kenyan Family Funday
RESIDENTS will be treated to a day of cultural celebration at Bearwood Recreation Ground.
Kenyans in Reading Family Funday will recognise the town’s diversity through traditional cuisine, activities and competitions.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event which marks the end of summer.
“We hope to give back and bring the community together,” said committee chairman Ken Mwaura Gathere.
“We want to gather people of all cultures, not only the Kenyan community, to make this event a truly multicultural occasion.
“As Kenyans, we work hard and appreciate the opportunity to be [in the UK] and all the benefits it has provided. We want to share that dream with our kids.”
The group’s inaugural funday took place in 2014, after Mr Gathere’s mother died.
Overwhelmed by the support he received, he wanted to thank them, but could not invite everyone to his home.
The group decided to hold an open gathering at Winnersh Community Centre.
“We felt like as much as we could hold an event amongst ourselves, we wanted to share it with the community.
“It started off as a barbecue with parents and their kids. It was all funded by a group of 40 of us and we hosted around 200 visitors.
“The event has gone from strength to strength, taking place every summer since 2014, except during the pandemic. Last year we had around 750 people attending.
“Through the food, activities and socialising, we hope to capture the hearts and minds of the community, particularly the kids.”
This year, visitors will lock horns in competitive events between 4pm5.30pm, such as 100m races, relays, tug of war, wheelbarrow races, football, table tennis, volleyball and badminton.
There will be medals and trophies for winners and participants.
Visitors are also set to showcase their skills at Family Funday’s Got Talent competition.
Local companies and businesses can hire stalls at the event, paying £50 for nine hours of trade. It is an opportunity to present their produce to the wider Reading community.
Children’s meals on the day will be free.
The event takes place between noon9pm on Saturday, August 6. ■