Solent celebrates city's culture at One World Fair
Over 500 students, staff and members of the wider community celebrated the cultural diversity of Southampton Solent and the city at the university's annual One World Fair on Thursday 31 October.
Fish, chips and mushy peas topped the menu at this year’s international event, which celebrates the different cultures of students and residents of the city through food, performance, interactive workshops and community information stalls.
As well as the traditional British fish and chips, visitors got to sample a range of international foods including Asian noodles, Spanish dishes and Greek salads.
Visitors also enjoyed performances and workshops of traditional African, Spanish, Asian and urban street dance. Southampton’s Street Beatz Junior Dance Academy performed and held a workshop, while students on Solent’s BA (Hons) Performance Studies course took to the stage to sing popular music tracks from Jessie J and CeeLo Green.
Art Asia held a Bollywood dance workshop and visitors enjoyed a Salsa lesson from Solent University International Intern, Bruno Amaral.
Other popular exhibits and activities included CV workshops, interactive art projects, cupcake decorating, henna art and a free photo booth.
The fair, now in its second year, took place at the university’s conference centre in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. The event was a fitting culmination of Black History Month, a city-wide commemoration of the culture and history of people of African, Caribbean, the Americas, Asian and mixed descent.
Over 30 stallholders from the university, city agencies and local businesses exhibited at the fair. As well as having the opportunity to learn more about the university’s support services and societies, representatives from around the city were on hand to give information and advice on community services and activities including cinemas, Art Asia, Hampshire Constabulary, the NHS, Southampton City Council, Friends International plus a display of traditional Fair Trade Guatemalen artwork.
Before asking the Mayor of Southampton to officially open the event, the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore said: "We are a young and dynamic university that has grown and matured rapidly over the last few years, and students from both Europe and overseas are part of the Solent Success story. Social justice is at the heart of Solent's mission and a big part of that is our commitment to diversity and this One World Fair is an important expression of our values.”
On officially opening the event, the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Ivan White welcomed all students to the city. He said: “The city is a diverse place with a history of welcoming people from overseas.
“I hope you enjoy yourselves while you are here and leave well qualified and well satisfied with what the city has to offer.”
International students from over 120 countries study on the University’s campus and the fair welcomed them to multicultural Southampton. It also provides new arrivals from the UK and overseas with essential information to help them settle in, network and explore the city.
Events Officer Amber Wilson said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the local community, partners, staff and students who attended the 2013 One World Fair.
“The event brought together the community and visually welcomed international students to multicultural Southampton in celebration of Black History Month.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Images attached of the 2013 One World Fair held on campus.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040
Notes to editors:
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
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