Cork’s diversity a cause for celebration

Cork’s diversity will be at the heart of a day of celebrations in Cork city this Saturday. The second Cork City Diversity Day will take place in Bishop Lucey Park from 1pm to 6pm.

The intent of Cork Diversity Day is to bring together Irish people and immigrants living in Cork to get to know each other better through recreational activities in order to overcome barriers and isolation.

This annual event will be presided over by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Terry Shannon and feature a whole host of fun activities. There will be music by Irish, Polish and Congolese bands. There will be an African-Irish gospel choir, a Togolese drumming group and African drumming from the Cois Tine drumming circle. There will also be a performances from various groups and organizations and children’s activities - like face painting, dancing and theatre.

The event is to acknowledge and mark the fact that Cork city is now home to people from over sixty nations and that diversity enriches the culture, life and talents in the city.

Organised by the Cork Integration Forum in conjunction with Cork City Council and funded by the Office of the Minister of Justice, the event will include international and local music, exhibitions, theatre, comedy, dancing and food.

There will also be small expositions prepared by each country, to teach about culture, tradition and cuisine of different countries through presentations of food, music, history and arts. There will also be various activities such as dancing, workshops, performances, games, to set up a play zone for all kids living in Cork.

Cork City Diversity Day takes place in Bishop Lucey Park this Saturday, 3 September from 1pm to 6pm.