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Hundreds turn out for Medway Culture Club’s carnival at Woodlands Youth Centre in Gillingham

By: Davina Jethwa djethwa@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:22, 08 August 2024

Updated: 14:03, 08 August 2024

A Caribbean festival featuring music, dance and costumes inspired by Notting Hill returned for a fourth year.

Hundreds turned out for the annual celebration hosted in Woodlands Youth Centre, Gillingham on Saturday (August 3).

The event was inspired by Notting Hill carnival. Picture: Rachel Evans

Carnival classics were performed by DJ Mikey Ragga as performers in colourful costumes took to the streets.

There were also drumming workshops, samba dance classes and live steel pan music.

Food stalls, face-painting, games and raffles also featured.

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The free family-friendly event was hosted by Medway Culture Club (MCC) as part of its mission to champion diversity in the Towns.

There were performers in carnival costumes. Picture: Rachel Evans
Medway Culture Club hosted the annual event at the Woodlands Youth Centre in Gillingham. Picture: Rachel Evans

Chairwoman of the charity, Camealia Xavier-Chihota said funds were also raised from the festival to support communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl, which hit islands in the Caribbean last month.

She added: “[The disaster] is close to some of our hearts as our parents and our heritage lies in the Caribbean.

“Our hearts really go out to those who suffered that hurricane earlier in July.”

Mayor of Medway Cllr Marian Nestorov also attended to show his support for MCC which is his chosen charity this year.

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Camealia with the Mayor of Medway and Cllr Nina Gurung. Picture: Rachel Evans

He said: “Events like this are very important to send a strong positive message to the handful of people who want to hold the UK back.

“Over the last week, we have seen what hate can do and how battling hate with hate never works.

“Seeing all the children play and have fun together gives me hope for a brighter future where love will always triumph over hate.”

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