Festival will celebrate talents of Grangetown

CARDIFF’S popular Grangetown Festival returns this month – and organisers are hoping to attract 3,000 visitors to the daylong event.

Those behind the event – which has been running for 40 years – have pledged to showcase the cultural diversity in the community.

The event was originally designed to allow the community to enjoy a day together at Grange Gardens Park but now organisers want to show the area is among the most diverse communities in Wales – with 68 languages being spoken fluently in one primary school in the area alone.

Festival organiser Sam Stainton said: “Unfortunately many of the 19,000 people in Grangetown don’t have many opportunities to showcase their talents to the rest of Cardiff and that is why we are here – to provide that opportunity.

“Community integration and education about different cultures is very important.

“It is especially important in our currently climate where cross-border tensions run high.

“Wherever Brexit takes us, and whoever comes our way, Grangetown Festival will always be here to showcase cultural diversity and provide an education to those who want to listen.”

The 21-year-old, from Cardiff, is part of Cardiff University’s Enterprise team, who specialise in providing real-world skills to students.

A team of eight volunteers from the university have taken it upon themselves to organise every aspect of the festival.

“We’ve been walking the streets to speak to people about it and have also set up a social media campaign for the first time this year,” Sam added.

“The event has drawn in about 1,500 people in the past but we hope to double the figure this year.

“We really want people of all cultures and backgrounds to connect and feel part of a community.”

Now people are being invited to be part of the event by selling produce, performing, and running activities.

Organisers are focusing on providing a platform for live bands and acts and also have many sporting sessions on offer.

But there’s no alcohol allowed at the festival – it is completely family-friendly and organisers want to welcome and respect people of all cultures and religions.

Sam added: “If anyone does want to have a drink there will be an after-party at The Grange Pub following the festival.”

The festival is a charity event and is free to attend.

It will run between noon and 7pm, at the Grange Gardens, on June 17.

For more information visit the Twitter page @GrangeFest.