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NIGERIAN CARNIVAL UK
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THE NIGERIAN Carnival being the first of its kind in the UK or anywhere in the world was greeted with a multitude of revellers, energy and togetherness.
A record 49,000 people were believed to have attended the event which recently took place at Burgess Park, in South East London on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 2007.
Having launched the Nigerian Carnival in such a grand style, the event which will be an annual practise will be an avenue for Nigerians, Africans and indeed, the entire black community in the UK to converge and share the Nigerian experience through a perfect blend of cultural activities, historical paraphernalia being displayed, showmanship, and above that, an avenue to teach the younger ones about the rich cultural heritage of an endowed country.
Nigerians have not had the opportunity of a mass gathering like this in recent times. There were several food stalls serving delicacies of all types of food. A children’s area which provided basic language workshops, fun and Nigerian games, a market area which sold fashion items, Nigerian household products and variety of exhibitions.
The corporate stalls showcased Nigerian owned brands, service providers and a variety of Nigerian enterprising firms operating in UK. The green-white-green factor of the event actually stood to proclaim peace and unity.
Young adults and adults not so young were proud to dress in so many combinations of green and white. Children were also face painted in assorted green white green patterns.
It was the day for Nigerian families, Nigerian descendants and nationals alike. A special day indeed in the history of Nigerian celebrations in UK and Europe.
Regardless of the huge turnout realised, the Carnival was peaceful on both days. Carnival Day 1 was dedicated to the Children and Young adults. The police presence was doubled on Carnival day 2 in anticipation of a possible snowball in turnout so as to maintain a stable and peaceful environment for all. Carnival Day 2 displayed a variety of acts for the matured crowd.
The carnival went well as planned, though it was short lived and attendees did not wish to leave the carnival ground until late in the evening. The Nigerian Carnival boasts of some of the most peaceful and convivial ceremony ever organised in The UK by the world’s most populous black race in Diaspora.
What’s more, the attendees were treated to some of the most intriguing, educative and informative cultural event in the history of Nigerians in Diaspora.
Kashif Jones-Laguda, Head of Nigerian Carnival said ‘It was wonderful to see Nigerians, British and other ethnic minorities sharing and enjoying the atmosphere ‘.
Contrary to speculations that the second day was cancelled as a result of the number of attendees which was far more than the organisers anticipated, the event did go ononly that it did not last as long as the attendees would have liked it to be for. This only lay credence to the fact that such a gallant event and being the very first of its kind in any part of the world can only but be met with such a massive turnout by Nigerians, Africans and indeed, the black race. In fact, a cross section of the British multicultural society thronged the park.
The Nigerian Carnival 2008 is expected to be twice the size of the maiden version. A dinner party taking place at the famous Alexandra Palace is scheduled for July 28th 2007 to end the Nigerian carnival season.
For more information please contact www.nigeriancarnival.com
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