Eastern European Festival

reimagine redditch and centrala's workshops celebrate the culture and creativity of eastern europe

Working closely with our partners at Centrala (who use arts and culture to achieve inclusion and wellbeing for Central and Eastern European migrants), Rubicon Leisure, with people from the Eastern European community across Redditch, and with other groups including Welcome Refugees (Redditch and Bromsgrove), we have been thrilled to see the joy and energy experienced by all ages at our series of free Winter and Spring events to celebrate Eastern European culture and creativity.

The Eastern European Festival started with a free launch celebration at Oakenshaw Community Centre in January. People enjoyed a live performance of contemporary Ukrainian and Polish music from Midlands-based Ukrainian band, MUHA. Attendees were also be treated to dance, food and craft workshops.

This was followed by a creative workshop in February, which included jewellery making and masks and learning traditional dances. Next followed a workshop with Centrala for International Women’s Day. Then another for St Sylvester’s Day.

When Easter arrived, the festival had built up a wonderful buzz and the weather held out for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt, with traditional crafting, dancing and singing to finish.

A traditional Marzanna gathering, to celebrate the end of Winter and arrival of Spring, brought the seasonal festivities to a close with traditional drama, dance and crafts to create Marzanna dolls.

More events and activities are planned for later in the year.

Eastern European festival

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