Hundreds of residents gathered for a celebration of Palestinian culture and history in Dorchester.
The event took place in the Borough Gardens and was attended by Dorchester Mayor Robin Potter and his wife Val.
From 11am to 2pm visitors could enjoy fresh Palestinian food, art, poetry, dancing and books across various stalls dotted around the park. There was also a children's tent jampacked with activities, as well as face painting.
Dorchester based musician Mustafa Mamu opened the event on Saturday followed by poetry read by local people and Dabkeh dancing.
Further entertainment was provided by Palestinian artists, with Speit showcasing a mix of rap and spoken word and composer Saied Silbak who gave a short history of the Oud, an instrument from the Middle East, from which the lute originated.
Funds raised from stall sales went to the charity Medical Aid for Palestine. Many visitors on the day also signed up for the upcoming “Big Ride for Palestine” cycling fundraiser which is due to be held on Sunday, September 29.
The event was organised by Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign (DPSC), supported by Dorset Trades Council, Dorset UNISON and Dorchester Islamic Centre.
In closing the event, Becci Brookman and Rob Ferguson, co-chair and secretary of DPSC thanked all who attended and the town council for providing use of the gardens.
Rob Ferguson told those present that amidst the horror of the destruction of Gaza, it was still vital to register and celebrate the richness of the culture, history and people of Palestine.
The DPSC has held many protests and marches in the county including many in Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport since October 2023.
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READ MORE: Pro-Palestine protests in Dorchester and Weymouth
Protests have been staged outside of Barclays Bank on South Street as part of a series of National Days of Action called by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign for a boycott of Barclays, with group claiming the bank is 'bankrolling' Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza.
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