A FESTIVAL in Kendal this weekend is aiming to promote a greater sense of community in the town.

Aftab Khan, development manager for AWAZ Cumbria and chief co-ordinator of Kendal Unity Festival, said: "We want to challenge prejudice and discrimination through voluntary action and active citizenship.

"Visitors will find a surprising range of activities and societies and can have a go at something new, learn something interesting and make some new friends. It’s a great day out for everyone."

There will be an international coffee morning in the Abbot Hall Social Centre at the event on Saturday (June 22), as well as music and dancing in Abbot Hall Park, a schools poetry competion, a chance to dress up in costume with Kendal Community Theatre, and a host of other activities.

There will also be a cookery demonstration by Hrishi Desai from TVs the Great British Menu. 

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Mr Desai, who works in the Michelin starred 'HRiSHi' restaurant at the Gilpin Hotel, near Windermere, said: “I am pleased to be able to support the Kendal Unity Festival. What I have learnt in my career is how much people around the world have in common.

"Everyone loves food – it brings people together.  Sharing a meal with someone gives you a connection with them.  

"Being able to demonstrate my love of cooking at the Kendal Unity Festival is exciting – I am looking forward to meeting local people who also have an enthusiasm for international food. I’m just glad it won’t have the pressure of a TV competition!”  

For more information about the festival, which won the 'Diversity Event of the Year' award at the 2019 Diverse Cumbria Awards, visit www.facebook.com/UnityFestival or www.cumbriaunity.org.