It was the August Bank Holiday Monday, a hot summer’s day at the end of the school holidays, and Andover High Street was alive with music, dancing, vibrant traditional costumes, the sounds of chatting and laughter and the smells of delicious food. The second Andover World Street Party was a celebration of the many cultures of our community that enrich all our lives. There was a sense of sharing and learning, relaxing and connecting.
A choir of Ukrainian women who have come to Test Valley since the war began, performed beautiful traditional songs; there were dances from local Nepalese women dressed in stunning costumes, Mayfly Morris, Andover Youth Dance Company and the dramatic Waterside Chinese Lion Dance. Andover-based storyteller Amanda Kane-Smith told the African tale of The Awongalema Tree, and there was the return of the popular African Drumming workshop with African Activities. A highlight was the giant Peace Peacock parading around the stage, accompanied by Mayfly Morris dancers and musicians.
Street food traders were joined by community groups who shared their cuisine, such as Sri Lankan and Persian, and visitors had a chance to get a henna tattoo, make a traditional Japanese lantern - adding their own decoration, or decorate an animal mask and join in the parade.
The generosity of performers, activity leaders and stallholders sharing their talents, heritage, stories and experience and the respect and appreciation shown for each other, shone a light on, and celebrated the richness of Andover’s community.
Images credit to Abdulriyazdeen Anwar / Ryan Stanikk