The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) held a summer festival on Sunday 20th August celebrating the vibrancy of Afghan culture.
The event in Lampton Park, Hounslow, showcased a range of performances from singers originally from Afghanistan, who have settled in countries across Europe including the Kabul Boys, Rashed Kouhestani and Ajmal Zahin.
Festival-goers enjoyed a unique cultural experience participating in activities such as henna, face painting and art and martial art workshops, as well as tasting cuisine from Afghanistan other parts of Asia.
A celebration of diversity and multiculturalism, the event was attended by members of the Afghan community, as well as people from both the wider local community and further afield. This year the event was particularly popular with women and families and provided a chance for all to promote community pride and cohesion. The day was an opportunity to bring together different ethnic and cultural groups, celebrating the value and talent that refugees bring to London.
Director of ACAA, Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi said: “This is a really important festival to not only celebrate the multiculturalism that exists in Britain, but to also give those of us from Afghanistan and Central Asia, who have made their homes in the UK, the opportunity to connect and share our experiences about building a future in this country.”
“I know that many in our community have a strong affinity with both Britain and Afghanistan, and enjoy and are a part of both cultures. Our thoughts are with those in Afghanistan living through uncertain times, and that is why it is so important for those of us living in Britain to come together and lead the way in upholding the spirit of our culture, in the hope of helping to foster Afghanistan’s progress.”
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) was established since 2001, and works to support Afghan and other refugees to help them integrate into British society and build better future for themselves in the UK. ACAA provide a number of services, including language classes, cultural events, mentoring schemes, and family and employment workshops.
