We are very pleased that Rory Stewart, the local MP has accepted the offer to open the key event of the programme and lead the discussion at the workshop and seminar on Friday 3 June in the morning. This workshop will see a unique panel of key Traveller women come together to outline the challenges that society presents to them, how they are viewed and how they build their own personal bridges. In order to deliver this key event a small charge is being made to assist with the running costs. A booking form is included on the attached leaflet and more information will be available on the Appleby fair web site www.applebyfair.org
This workshop and seminar will be of key interest to any public sector officer or Elected Member. Through the discussion and sharing of experiences this event will challenge views and perceptions of ethnic minority groups in general. This thought provoking session will assist all public sector representatives to appreciate the disadvantages society places on such a minority group. This understanding can then be taken away and applied to any situation of ethnicity or discrimination.
Places will be limited due to the capacity of the venue
Following on from an incredibly successful event last year Newport’s Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre becomes the main focus for the annual celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture in Wales in 2011.
The annual celebration on 30th June 2011 (10am-3pm) is designed to raise awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture and to challenge some of the myths that are commonly held about these people who have been part of Wales’ scenery for perhaps 500 years. Isaac Blake, organiser of the event and Director of the Romani Cultural and Arts Company says “It is sad that relationships between Gypsy and Gorger communities (non-Gypsies) are so strained where once they would have been quite relaxed. I think that much of it is related to ignorance and the point of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is to challenge that ignorance”.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is also a celebration and the organisers promise that they will match the challenge with plenty of fun and a genuine celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture. Preparations for the main event in Newport will be the culmination of months of preparation by young people. One of the growing number of traditions associated with the celebration is the promotion of the event with artwork created by schools from Cardiff, Newport and new this year, Torfaen.
Local youngsters will also be taking part in a special workshop run by anti-racist charity,Show Racism the Red Card. Ex professional footballers Leroy Rosenior and Christian Roberts will be talking to young people about Racism in their community and how to stop it as well as running a number of hands on ‘critical thinking’ activities. Education Coordinator Simon Richards says it should be a great day ‘Show Racism the Red Card are proud to be taking part in this fantastic event and really feel that it can be hugely beneficial to the young people taking part’.
An event for all ages and all tastes combines history and art, theatre and dance, children’s and adult performances designed to challenge, teach and CELEBRATE!
Younger children will explore GRT tradition through Vardo (Waggon) painting workshops and traditional storytelling.
