PICTURES: One World 2024 returned to Borough Gardens

The Dorset One World Festival returned to Borough Gardens in Dorchester on Saturday.  

Festivities started at 11am with a sitar performance from Ricky Romain before Cheikh Diop carried out a drumming workshop.

Drumming and dance performance with Cheikh Diop (Image: Finnbarr Webster) Bachata Caliente then provided a salsa demonstration and workshop to get the park moving. This was followed by Kurdish music from Mustafa Mamu before a performance from Grains of Hope to highlight Ukrainian culture.  

Cheikh Diop then gave a drumming and dance performance before Afro-Reggae Fusion band We Afro Tallawah rounded off the live entertainment.

Among the activities was a bouncy castle and arts and crafts workshops to keep children entertained.

A huge selection of stallholders were also present at the day, including Stand Up to Racism Dorset, the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Casterbridge Rotary Club and the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.

Ricky Romain playing sitar (Image: Finnbarr Webster) The menu from the global food village on the day featured, among others, Thai food, curries from Dorchester Islamic Centre, falafel wraps, worldwide loaded fries and Caribbean cuisine from Jerk Shack.

The Convivial Rabbit provided an on-site bar for the event.

Mayor Cllr Robin Potter with wife and mayoress, Val (Image: Finnbarr Webster) Cllr Robin Potter, Mayor of Dorchester, was part of the celebrations. He said: "It was a fantastic day with a great turn-out having a brilliant time with stalls from all over the world. 

Ukrainian children who fled the war performing at One World (Image: Finnbarr Webster) "The Ukrainian dancers were brilliant, and held up a powerful flag saying 'We stand with Ukraine' which is more pertinent now than ever. 

Performers with a half-British and half-Ukrainian flag (Image: Finnbarr Webster) "I was pleased to see as many turn out as they did and that we were one world as that's what One World is all about."

Cllr Janet Hewitt said: "All in all it was a great day for Dorchester with all our different cultures coming together in a wonderful atmosphere. 

"It was a fantastic event with all nations coming together all different cultures were involved. The children all benefited playing together different activities were on hand from drawing, making woven mats, weaving, and finding treasure."

Two officers from Dorset Police attended the event after concern over disruption.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: ““Due to the recent events countrywide there was concern that some elements may try to turn up to disrupt it hence the police presence.

“However it was a breath of fresh air that this inclusive celebration went without a hitch and a good time was had by all.

“The presence of such a diverse range of cultures, ages and families created a happy atmosphere that I have not felt for a while. Thank you so much and please come again.”