CityLife

Must see: Exodus 2010

Performers from across the world play at Exodus

Albert Square - July 18, 2010

In a diverse and culturally tolerant place such as Manchester, the rich mix of the city’s demographic is something everyone acknowledges but few take the time to extol.

In fact, it’s a staggering fact that Exodus Festival – now in its ninth year – remains a unique celebration of arts and culture put together by Greater Manchester’s refugee communities.

But what a celebration it is. Taking over parts of Manchester for one afternoon each year, the festival is an explosion of international colour, from world music to global foods and fun workshops.

Last year, the festival attracted around 10,000 people to its main stage in Cathedral Gardens. And with that great success in mind, the organisers have decided to set their sights even higher and will host Exodus on two stages in Albert Square, in front of Manchester town hall.

Designed as a family friendly day out (nothing more friendly than the free entry), the festival kicks off at midday and boasts musical flavours from right across the globe: Bhangra, reggae, British and Polish hip-hop, African gospel, Congolese dance and pop, American R&B, Afro-jazz and Afro-Latin, Chinese theatre, Sahara Desert blues, Kenyan spirituals, Zimbabwean rumba, traditional songs from Afghanistan and even a set from WAST – Women Asylum Seekers Together.

Among the musical acts are the big hit of Manchester International Festival, the multi-national Beating Wing Orchestra, plus Educated Thugz, Jah Mission Vibes, DRIM, Bloco Novo, Iranian Music Box, Nouvelle Alliance, Ya Freddy and Tolu.

Of course, it’s not all about the music. At 4pm, the Exodus Parade takes off for a circuit around Albert Square, accompanied by live music, flag bearers, a Vietnamese lion and various community groups. There’s a market of international foods from Bosnian grub to Eritrean coffee with meals (including vegetarian and halal) for just £3.

Arts, crafts and clothing markets are open from midday-6pm and there are creative workshops throughout the day.

Free drop-in dance, drumming and martial arts workshops also run from just after midday, which all makes for a combination that puts the contribution of our refugee communities to city life at the heart of the festival.

Worryingly, though, Exodus is also under threat. Current funding streams end this year and organisers say it will not be back to mark its 10th birthday unless new funding is found.

CityLife is sure it’s not alone in thinking that the loss of this festival would be a sad day for all involved. Now is the time to show your support.

Free.