Cork city park to host feast of family and cultural fun

THOUSANDS are expected at a free family fun day tomorrow afternoon featuring samba bands, puppet shows and craft workshops.

Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork, is the venue for the Family and Cultural Day, hosted by Concern and educational charity Suas.

From noon to 6pm, visitors will be treated to Nigerian, Italian and Brazilian bands, and other events, in a big marquee in the park.

The event is designed to celebrate the launch of the month-long 1,000 Families photographic exhibition, also taking place in the park, which will be officially opened by Lord Major Donal Counihan and Munster rugby ace Jim Williams.

Visitors will be able to listen to multicultural bands, watch puppeteers, have their faces painted, and sample ethnic food at the event.

The photographic exhibition features the work of renowned German photographer, Uwe Omer, and aims to raise awareness of cultural diversity.

“At Concern, we have over 4,000 people from up to 60 different nationalities worldwide, including Ireland, working to assist those suffering from extreme poverty and to achieve sustainable improvements in their lifestyles,” according to Concern deputy chief executive, Paddy Maguinness.

Live on stage starting at 1pm will be the Oleku Band, an Afrobeat Nigerian outfit based in Ireland; Sangre Latino and Euro Samba, an all-Brazilian band.

Pata Piya will lead traditional African drumming and chanting, while the marquee will also host a drum workshop with Feargal O’Connor, the Tin Can Annie puppet show, Irish storytelling with Pat Speight, and a crafts workshop for children.