St Anne’s Cathedral flooded with culture and music
St Anne’s Cathedral was flooded with colour, culture and sounds on Thursday June 23 as it hosted WelcomeFest for the first time in a fantastic celebration of Refugee Week.
Around 400 people of all ages attended the event, which was organised by the Red Cross, Belfast Friendship Club and NI Council for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NICRAS) to mark Refugee Week (June 20–26).
The free musical event featured a diverse line–up of local artists including Ugandan drummer Donna Namusake, whose opening set was bursting with energy, and Sri Lankan beatboxer Julius, (right) who created some fantastic sounds using only his voice.
Also taking to the stage and specially cleared floor space at the front of the Cathedral was Indian dance troupe Josh, Wilson Magwere singing music from Zimbabwe, Anglo–Colombian duo Mauricio Velezsierra and Heidi Heidelberg, and the energetic all–women Samba band Chidambaran.
There was home grown talent in the form of front women Fiona O’Karen (RunawayGo) and Frances Mitchell (Loris) teaming up to perform some acoustic cover songs, while world champion drum major Alan McBride, who also sings, performed with Mark Humphries and Roy Fulton.
The many children in the audience were enthralled by the skills of a host of circus acts, performing feats never before seen in St Anne’s Cathedral, while outside they had the opportunity to have a go at art activities provided in the carpark by Wheelworks, a youth art organisation.
The SOS Bus provided refreshments and face painting, and while the weather outside was not kind, there was plenty to see and do indoors to keep everyone entertained.
A variety of organisations working with and supporting refugees and asylum seekers were on hand to offer advice.