Savera UK has revealed the full line-up for a free celebration of culture taking place at Liverpool’s Bombed Out Church on Saturday, August 29.
The festival will follow the Merseyside charity’s annual March to End ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, bringing together live music, dance, creative activities, food and community organisations.
Katumba Drumming & Movement will open the event with Brazilian drums and choreography combining UK club music with the carnival traditions of north-east Brazil.
The programme will also feature performances from The Dancing Queens, the award-winning intergenerational dance, wellbeing and carnival collective from the Black Women’s Health Forum, as well as drummer and percussionist Felix Ngindu.
Artists from RAWD, a disability-led performing arts charity which creates opportunities for disabled performers, will take to the stage alongside MD Productions, whose work uses movement, music and storytelling to celebrate identity and promote unity.
Latin American dance group Inti Tusuy, led by Valeria Cazas and supported by Luma Creations, will perform traditional folk dances from Bolivia, Mexico and Colombia.
Liverpool Rainbow Chorus, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ community choir which has been bringing people together through music since 2008, will also perform a selection of contemporary songs.
The festival will be hosted by Motormouf, also known as Alex Young, and will feature guest speakers and readings from Savera UK clients and team members.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a free henna station and a craft tent offering activities for children and adults.
The Liverpool Arabic Centre will help guests learn how to write their names in Arabic, while Savera UK volunteers will lead origami and carnival mask-decorating sessions.
Food and community stalls will be open throughout the day, including Caribbean food from Eat Up Gud, information from Savera UK and stands featuring local services and businesses.
A fundraising raffle and prize draw will also give visitors the chance to win a three-night stay in a five-star caravan at Thornley Leisure.
The festival is being held under the theme “Culture is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse” and aims to raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices.
Organisers said these forms of abuse can often be missed because of a lack of understanding or recognition.
The event also seeks to challenge the belief that the abuse is connected to particular cultures or communities, instead defining it as a violation of human rights which can affect anyone, regardless of their background, gender, age, sexuality or disability.
Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said:
“Too often the issues that we work to end – HBA and harmful practices like forced marriage, FGM, conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse – are wrongly conflated with culture. Those who practice these forms abuse use faith and traditions to excuse them. This event seeks to break that connection.
“Our first March to End HBA took place in 2022 with 50 supporters marching from the Bombed Out Church to celebrate culture rather than allowing it to be an excuse for abuse. Last year, through creativity and community collaboration we were able to expand this message to a full festival to celebrate the true meaning of culture even more widely.
“Culture is beautiful. It is music, dance, food and traditions that create a sense of safety, identity, belonging, pride and community wherever we might be. It is never abuse. These are all things that make a place home. Us sharing them with Liverpool invites people into that home, uniting communities and strengthening pride and love for our city.”
David Thornley, Managing Director at festival sponsor Thornley Leisure, said:
“Supporting Savera UK is incredibly important to us as a family business. The work they do to protect and support individuals is life-changing, giving people the chance for a new beginning and a safer future. At Thornley Leisure Parks, we’re passionate about creating safe spaces where people can relax, feel secure and make lasting memories with their loved ones. Being able to support a charity that helps others rebuild their lives and look ahead with hope is something we’re very proud to be part of.”
Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy MD of Merseyrail, said:
“Women and girls are disproportionately affected by ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, so we are proud to support this festival and the important role it plays in raising awareness and empowering women. Its values closely align with our commitment to female safety and creating environments where women feel respected, supported and safe. We are delighted to stand alongside our partners and the wider community in supporting this important cause.”
More than 1,000 people attended last year’s march and festival, with organisers expecting an even larger turnout this year as the event takes place over the bank holiday weekend.
The March to End HBA, supported by Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, will leave Williamson Square at 12 noon and arrive at the Bombed Out Church at 1pm.
The festival will begin shortly afterwards, although the site and stalls will be open from 12 noon.
The event is being delivered in partnership with Zonta UK, part of Zonta International, which established the march with Savera UK in 2022, and venue partner St Luke’s Bombed Out Church.
Festival sponsors include Thornley Leisure, Merseyrail and Auteur Media, while Morecrofts and MSB Solicitors are supporting the performances.
Stay tuned to social media @SaveraUK for festival announcements.
If you would like to sponsor or support the event through volunteering, opportunities are still available, find out more on the website or contact nikki@saverauk.co.uk.
