Music, dance, food and family activities filled the Comedy Carpet as the Fylde Coast Hindu Society’s annual Indian Cultural Festival returned for the fourth year. Elizabeth Gomm went along with her camera to capture this vibrant fixture on the summer calendar.
The Comedy Carpet became a celebration of Indian culture on Sunday as hundreds of people gathered for the fourth annual Indian Cultural Festival, organised by the Fylde Coast Hindu Society.
Against the backdrop of Blackpool Tower, the free festival brought together residents and visitors for a day of live music, dance, food, art and hands-on activities. While rooted in Indian traditions, the event reflected Blackpool at its best – a town where communities create space to share their cultures with one another.
Throughout the day, performers took to the stage with dance and music representing different parts of India. Preston’s Abhi Dance Academy joined the celebrations alongside members of the local Nepali community, while the Fylde Coast Hindu Society’s own Bollywood dance group performed routines inspired by regions across the country.
Away from the stage, families queued for henna art, face painting and a popular Dress to Impress stall where visitors could try on traditional Indian clothing. A decorated rickshaw provided a colourful photo opportunity, while calligraphy artists wrote visitors’ names in a range of Indian languages.
The festival has grown steadily since it launched four years ago and has become a regular fixture in Blackpool’s summer calendar. As well as celebrating Indian heritage, organisers say its purpose is to encourage conversations between communities and create opportunities for people to experience cultures they may be unfamiliar with.
Chirag Khajuria, chairman of the Fylde Coast Hindu Society said: “It was truly heartwarming to see hundreds of people from every background come together to celebrate our shared values of friendship, diversity and community. Our festival is about much more than showcasing Indian culture. It is about bringing people together, building understanding and celebrating the wonderful diversity that makes Blackpool such a special place.”
The society also thanked the volunteers, performers and local businesses who helped deliver the event, including Abhi Dance Academy, the Nepali community, Rainbow Arts Face Painting, Masala Bites, Street Angels, Silly’s Ices and Keith’s Rickshaw Photo Booth.
Planning has already begun for next year’s festival, with the Fylde Coast Hindu Society inviting other cultural organisations from across the area to get involved and help shape the event.
