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from the Hull Daily Mail/East Riding Mail Monday, July 7

A multi-cultural festival that aims to celebrate the diversity of one of Hull’s best-known streets was launched today. The Newland Avenue International Festival, which runs until Sunday, will feature music, dance, food samples, exhibitions and workshops.

The street will become awash with colour and filled with exotic sights and smells from around the globe.

Organised by the non-profit-making International Heart Of Hull group, 50 events are taking place at several venues along the street, including the community church, Newland House, Chill Café Bar and Lattitude.

Organiser Peter Rowson said: “The event is all about celebrating the diversity of an area.

“Newland Avenue is the most diverse area of the city.

“Last year, the festival was the first of its kind in Hull and was a huge success so with much hard work we have built on that and made it bigger.

“There are more than 50 events this year, which are organised and presented by people from lots of different countries, from all continents.

“Visitors will be able to see how people from, for example, India live, taste samples of their food and learn how to dance to Indian music.

“This year, we have also involved six local primary schools. making the festival an educational tool, not just for children, but for adults too.”

Abel Rivera, who also helped organise the festival, said: “It is an honour to be involved with the festival.

“We have worked hard to bring a range of different events that will appeal to all, both young and old.

“At the end of this week I hope Newland Avenue will be firmly established as the cosmopolitan centre of Hull.”

The event was officially opened by Councillor Carl Minns, leader of Hull City Council, at 11am today.

The festival will end with a wind-down party at Ruby Lounge from 7pm on Sunday.

It will follow a free barbecue from noon to 6pm.

Hull City Council www.hullcc.gov.uk