Council to work alongside local communities to deliver Burton cultural celebration

East Staffordshire Borough Council will be working alongside local community organisations to celebrate Burton upon Trent’s culture and diversity with the launch of Burton Cultural Celebration.

The new programme, which will be delivered by a range of organisations in communities across Burton upon Trent, aims to celebrate the town’s diverse culture, rich heritage and growing cultural offer.

Running from the 8 to the 16 of August the programme will contain a variety of events and activities, including:

• Burton Unity's ‘Celebrate Her’, an evening of talent, culture and cuisine celebrating women from diverse backgrounds. ‘Alongside Her Steps’, a free walk through the Washlands with moments of reflection, connection and collective singing.
• Burton Afghan Community's, an evening of celebration exploring Afghan culture, fashion, food and music.
• Burton Caribbean Carnival, now in its third year, filling the streets with colour, music and dance as the procession winds from Uxbridge Street through the town centre to Shobnall Leisure Complex.
• Sonic Boom Music CIC celebrates music with nine days of grassroots music and musical heritage, including a songwriter’s circle, pop-up dance, a guided poetry walk, surprise "guerilla" gigs across the town, and evening events celebrating the legacy of Burton's best-loved music venues and clubs; the 76 Club, the Folk Club and the Refinery.
• Circularity.org's pop up shop in the Octagon Centre, will host cultural workshops exploring crafts and more.
• The Brewhouse Arts Centre will hold a day of family friendly cultural short films, celebrating food and family time from around the world.

Cllr Paul Walker, cabinet member for tourism and cultural development said: “Burton's first Cultural Celebration recognises our heritage, traditions and vibrant communities that make up the town, giving everyone the opportunity to embrace, celebrate and learn more about our shared story.

“Every organisation involved has shown real commitment to their community, identity and home”.

Further information on Burton Cultural Celebration, including full event listings, will be available soon.

Pictured: The Sonic Boom festival