ORGANISERS are gearing up for a party extravaganza to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a Carlisle event centred around diversity.

Multicultural Cumbria held a launch event at the University of Cumbria’s Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle to outline their ‘exciting’ plans for next year’s Culture Bazaar.

The event - which was established in 2007 - has taken place intermittently over the years, and in February, thousands flocked to Richard Rose Central Academy for a weekend of dance, food, music, games and more.

Hosted by Saj Ghafoor, chief officer of Multicultural Cumbria, the launch event was attended by the city’s mayor Marylin Bowman, the Lord Lietenant of Cumbria Claire Hensman, and the vice-chancellor of the University of Cumbria, Professor Julie Mennell.

Ahead of the celebratory event, Saj shared details about the Bazaars continued success, and how it brings those from all communities together under one roof.

She told the News & Star: “At our first event in 2007, we have about 200 people come along, and in February we’re expecting between 4,000-5,000 to attend.

“We’ve just grown organically and the community has really engaged with it. Since our first one, we’ve gone through the recession, austerity, and we’re still here, and I think the time is right now to really expand our capacity.

“We need something like this for Carlisle, and we need it for Cumbria, so hopefully our Bazaar can set the bar for other districts to do the same.

“I really think we have a treasure trove of personalities in the county that have so much to give, and we have the perfect platform to give them that opportunity.”

The free weekend of family fun will once again take place at Richard Rose Central on Victoria Place in the city centre between 11am and 5pm on February 15 and 16, 2020.

For more details about the event, including how to go get involved, visit mcc1.org.uk