Winter multicultural festival to arrive in Kent this weekend celebrating cultures and diversity

A new multicultural festival is heading to Kent this weekend, bringing a blend of performances, food and stalls. The first Winter World in a Tent will take place in Dover on Saturday (November 23) and will celebrate the different cultures that make up the town.

Known for welcoming new arrivals for centuries, from those on way to Canterbury in the middle ages, to ferry disembarking after their journeys from France, the town has been built on its connections with the continent. After running a series of summer festivals in Kent over the past few years, the team behind the World in a Tent wanted to bring the community together this winter for the first time.

Starting at 5.30pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre and running until just after 9pm, there will be a series of live performances with everything from African drummers, to Nepalese and Bollywood dancers, and the Orchestra from Everywhere – an orchestra of classical musicians from around the world who have chosen to make Britain their home.

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They come from Syria, Iran, Hong Kong, Palestine, Ukraine and India. Event director and creator of World in a Tent, Priti Paintal, said: “It’s a joy to be able to bring World in a Tent to Dover.

"Our event celebrates different cultures, and the many people from all over the world that enrich our lives here in the UK. It’s particularly appropriate to be able to do that in a town that has welcomed so many new arrivals over the centuries.”

Alongside an evening of entertainment there will be stalls selling hot food and drinks, arts and crafts, and information stalls from the incredible team of experts restoring Maison Dieu, and Kent Downs National Landscape - the people behind the exciting proposal for a UNESCO backed geopark that will celebrate and protect the unique chalk landscapes that link the region with the Opal Coast on the other side of the Channel.

Iranian musician from the Orchestra from Everywhere Asma said: ”I really enjoy playing with the orchestra. It has given me a chance to feel valued and play my own music with other musicians from different countries.

"Music is the common language of the people of the world when all together can play and enjoy different cultures.” Head of climate, nature and geopark delivery at Kent Downs National Landscape, Isabel Shaw, said: “We’re proud to support the Winter World in a Tent event in Dover.

"It highlights the deep connections we all have through our shared geology. The Kent Downs National Landscape and Cross-Channel Geopark, is committed to celebrating, conserving, and enhancing the unique chalk landscapes that connect us.

"Together, we embrace our heritage and the beauty of our natural environment, fostering a sense of belonging for all.” Maison Dieu engagement officer Martin Crowther said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this special celebration of the diverse communities and cultures that call Dover home and welcoming everyone back into the Maison Dieu when it reopens next year.”

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