A Dorchester restaurant is hosting a night of Oriental extravagance to promote multi-cultural awareness.

The Spice Centre in High West Street is holding a fundraising evening called West meets East, which will feature a host of Asian-themed entertainment.

The event, which starts at 8pm on Sunday, August 1, is being run by the Dorchester Speak Easy group, which aims to promote ethnic awareness in the county town.

Funds from the West meets East evening will go to the Children of Fiji project, the Grace Secondary School project and the One World Festival, a celebration of multiculturalism that Speak East are holding at the King’s Road playing fields on August 8.

Khalique Miah, who helped to set up the Speak Easy group after he was the victim of a racist attack in Dorchester in June 2008, said the night will offer live Asian music, Bollywood films and music, belly dancing and a raffle, as well as fine Asian cuisine.

The restaurant will be decorated with an Asian theme and guests are encouraged to come in Oriental costume, although it is not compulsory.

Mr Miah said: “It will be a night of culture as well as good food. It’s been organised by Speak Easy and we hope it will help raise cultural awareness.”

Kris Hallett, from Dorset Community Action which has helped Speak Easy organise the event, said: “It will be a nice evening with an Asian theme to promote the One World Festival.”

Tickets cost £15 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet. They are available directly from the Spice Centre or by calling Dorset Community Action on 01305 216409.