CultureFest 2012

The 2011 CultureFest event was the busiest and biggest ever with thousands flocking to this family event.

Almost 5000 people enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine and jam packed programme of music, dance, sport and the creative arts.

Now in it's fourth year, CultureFest 2011 sponsored by RICOH UK Products Ltd, attracted residents of all ages who joined in a host of activities including zumba dance sessions, cheerleading, traditional sports day races and samba drumming workshops.

The Mayor for the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, Cllr Malcolm Smith and Olympic Gold Medallist, Debbie Brennan Johnson opened the event which started with the 'Be More Active' fun run at 11am. Almost 350 children and adults joined in the fun run.

Festival goers enjoyed live music with cover band Plastic Pantomime and the winner of Telford Talent 2009 and Abraham Darby pupil, 15 year old vocalist Daniel Crossley taking centre stage. Telford's Community Choir also performed a selection of well known songs from musicals, The Beatles and Leona Lewis. BBC Radio Shropshire presenter, Eric Smith hosted the stage performances.

Cllr Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Well-being, said: "CultureFest 2011 has been a great success with the largest turnout yet for this popular family event. It is a credit to the event organisers and all those who took part, that CultureFest has been so popular and it demonstrates the capacity of Telford Town Park to host large scale events.

"I'd like to thank everyone that took part and for the support of RICOH UK Products for their support."

"We are keen to build on the success of this year's event and are encouraging visitors to post their comments about the festival in the online questionnaire that we have created on the event website that includes a free prize draw."

Other event highlights included interactive 'Popblast' dance sessions, samba drumming workshops, tobogganning, trampolining, adapted bikes and go-karts, under 7's play area, arts and crafts, sensory rooms, sports and skills area which included have a go sessions and demonstrations in rugby, tennis, American football, and traditional sports day races.

Along with street dance performances from dance group, Little Vibz. Chinese and Indian dancers wowed the crowd whilst young disabled and non disabled dancers took centre stage with the Envision Youth Dance group (directed by the Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company).

National charity, Oxfam were also on site collecting charity for the East Africa Crisis and raised a total of £75 which will provide 500 families with water. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

View the programme of events.