Oxford Carnival, South Park

Make the decision to throw a big community event and put the call out to musicians, group dancers, singers and any and all relevant artistes, add the absolutely necessary presence of food and drink, garnish with all manner of stalls such as jewellery and local crafts, not forgetting good causes, sprinkle it with 20,000 people - and VOILA - you have yourself the potential for what turned out to be a most eclectic, colourful, and wonderfully musical Cowley Carnival!!! The sun joined the party and ensured a great turn out and a fabulous bash on Sunday afternoon in Oxford.

Ashnah had been looking forward to taking part again this year, and although only 3 of us could make it, I can happily report that we gave out plenty of good energy, caused a most positive stir, acquitted ourselves very well, and had plenty of time to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Sore from the sun and exhausted, we headed for home at sundown.......

Roll on next years carnival woo hoo!!

report by Rita

Summer Mauj-Mela, Sandhills, Oxford

We were once again invited to perform at the Indian Mela at Sandhills, Oxford, by the wonderful Kanta Gopal on behalf on the OHTCCP (Oxford Hindu Temple & Community Centre Project).

What a glorious event this is - full of colour, music and dancing - styles this year were Hawiian, Bhangra, Classical Indian dance and ourselves performing American Tribal Style Bellydance. There was delicious Indian food (oh it was so good), henna (mehndi), singing by the Afropean Choir, drumming workshop by our dear friend Paul Eagles (great fun), whilst families danced, ate, joined in the workshops, chatted and thoroughly had a great time.

The weather held out, though a little windy perhaps, and the sun came out in the afternoon.

Ashnah had a fabulous time again this year and we take great delight in meeting such warm, friendly people and joining in with the celebrations.

What a wonderful day we had!!