Newham Council celebrates its first South Asian Heritage Month

Newham Council celebrates its first South Asian Heritage Month with a vibrant programme of in person and virtual events. The month seeks to raise awareness of British South Asian heritage, to help people better understand the diversity of present day Britain and foster social integration.

The Foundation for Future London celebrates the rich cultural diversity and heritage of all four boroughs we work in, with communities new and old playing an important part of the vital fabric of our unique area in shaping the future of East London.

The free South Asian Heritage Month programme will provide the opportunity for people to celebrate South Asian heritage, focusing on the theme of Identity and Migration. Film screenings, food events, a quiz and panel discussions will be staged across Newham throughout the month to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of its residents.

Just a few of the activities to sample include:

• Young People’s South Asian Evening Wed 28 July, 5-7pm, Forest Gate Youth Zone –– Join us for a varied evening of discussion and spoken word poetry, followed by a quiz hosted by the renowned Bobby Seagull.
• Art Camp, Tues 3 to Fri 6 August, 11am-3pm — Get creative this summer in a 4-day art camp. You’ll learn painting, printing, and collage techniques to make a mixed-media masterpiece inspired by the work of famous South Asian Artists. Your artwork will be displayed in a public art exhibition as part of the South Asian Heritage Month celebrations in Newham. For ages 12-18 (up to 25 for SEND young people). Free to attend, lunch provided. Book by calling 020 3373 0442 or emailing events@newham.gov.uk
• South Asian Games, Sat 7 August, 12-4pm, Central Park — Always wanted to try kabaddi or bhangra dance fitness? Come along to try for free, with qualified tutors. You can also take part in walking yoga, cricket, archery, fencing and football. There will also be a play area for the little ones.

To see the full programme visit the website or download the leaflet.

If you are a South Asian person or run a community group, organisation or business orand would like funding support to get your creative ideas off the ground, make sure to check out our grant-making opportunities.

South Asian Heritage Month will run from 18 July to 17 August 2021.  For up to date event information and bookings, please visit newhamsouthasianheritage.org