Carrie Backhouse writes about St Oswald's first ever World Dance, Music and Food Celebration event.
St Oswald’s Church was transformed into a vibrant hub of global culture and community spirit as over 175 people gathered for our most successful event to date - World Dance Music and Food Celebration event! With more than 15 nationalities represented, the evening was a joyful testament to the power of diversity, creativity, and connection.
A World of Music and Dance
The celebration kicked off with a lively ceilidh led by an enthusiastic caller Roger, inviting everyone to join in the rhythm of traditional folk steps. The stage then came alive with dazzling performances from across the globe.
Graceful classical and Bollywood-inspired dance from India, spirited Irish jigs and reels, traditional Indonesian movement and music an, energetic Polish group dancing.
Each performance was met with cheers and applause, creating a shared sense of wonder and appreciation for the richness of world cultures.
Group dances helped to overcome language barriers with the macarena, conga and limbo leaving everyone laughing!
A Feast of Flavours
The international buffet was a culinary adventure, offering a delicious array of over 10 world cuisines. Guests sampled crispy samosas from South Asia, fresh sushi rolls from Japan, fluffy Spanish omelette and cheesy, golden quesadillas from Latin America ...and many more delights.
Games Without Borders
From the strategic tiles of Mahjong to the colourful challenge of identifying flags from around the world, the games corner was buzzing with laughter and friendly competition. A world quiz tested everyone’s global knowledge, sparking conversations and curiosity among all ages.
Crafting Global Connections
Creativity flourished in the craft zones, where children and adults alike explored artistic traditions from every corner of the globe:
- Japanese origami
- Shell painting inspired by Polynesian coastal cultures
- Weaving and folk art from various traditions
- Fabric broaches with material from across the globe
- Flag designing and decorating castanets and maracas
- First nation Australian-style dot painting on rocks
Each station offered not just a hands-on activity, but a window into the stories and symbols that shape different cultures.
A Celebration of Unity
The true success of the event lay not just in the numbers - though 175 attendees marks a record for St Oswald’s - but in the warmth, joy, and sense of belonging that filled the air. Families, neighbours, and newcomers came together to celebrate what makes us unique and what brings us together.
This World Celebration Event was more than a day of fun - it was a powerful reminder that when we open our doors to the world, we open our hearts to each other.
A big thank you to all our volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to put the event together. Also, to our funder, the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative for making this possible.
Legacy
We have three world craft events over the next three months to continue to share and celebrate culture with those in Tile Hill.
If you have ideas for an event like this, we would love to hear from you. Please email Neil Masih to find out what funding and support we could offer.