International line-up for World Party Weekend

Thrilling details have been unveiled for World Party Weekend 2009. A two-day jamboree of live music and activities featuring a variety of local bands, accomplished artists, arts and crafts, foods and displays has been organised.

A World Village event has been arranged for Saturday August 29 where groups will have the opportunity to showcase their respective cultures, cuisines and costumes in around nine marquees to be set up closer to the time.

And representatives of the Chinese, Arab, Muslim, African, Filipino, Latin American, Brazilian, Bangladeshi, Barakah, Gurkha, Polish, Indian and Thai communities will be on hand throughout the day to run a series of workshops and offer visitors an insight into their countries and customs.

A Global Music day is taking place on Sunday August 30 where visitors can experience the sights and sounds of soothing jazz, absorbing African rhymes, energetic hip hop, Bollywood dancing and Samba percussion on the main stage.

Music legends Kasai Masai, the Klezmer Festival Music Band, D'taba and Muscovado have been confirmed among the line-up.

This year's event will be supported by the Swansea Bay Racial Equality Council.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said:

"World Party Weekend has been a popular feature of the August bank holiday weekend for several years and we're delighted to announce the line-up for 2009.

"This vibrant festival of fun helps to celebrate Swansea's rich cultural diversity and offers entertainment for the whole family.

"It complements the other events arranged for the holiday weekend and is indicative of the wide international community that nowadays helps to make up Swansea."

The Swansea Bay Beer Festival also makes its return to the city from Thursday August 27 to Saturday August 29.

Over 100 real ales are being made available at the Brangwyn Hall along with live music and a selection of ciders and perries.

Swansea's branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ales) is behind the event and has also organised a range of stalls and foods.

Other activities over the bank holiday weekend can be found at Active Swansea community leisure centres, Swansea Museum, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, the Dylan Thomas Centre and Plantasia.

The annual Botanics in Bloom festivities are also ongoing until August 31.

Take a peek at www.swanseabayfestival.com for details of all events taking place across Swansea Bay up to September.

Read our earlier article on the Swansea Bay Beer Festival