Grantham’s first Portuguese-English Festival will officially open at 10.30am on Saturday (22 June) with a VIP curtain-raiser to the colourful two-day event.
South Kesteven District Council Chairman Jacky Smith will welcome a host of Portuguese guests and civic dignitaries to the event which centres around St Peter’s Hill and the Market Place.
Crowds will enjoy musical performances and gastronomic treats, with entertainment for young and old. Traditional Portuguese food stands, pastry sellers, a barbecue and a Portuguese gin bar will add to the atmosphere.
Cllr Smith said: “We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure visitors of all nationalities feel welcome in Grantham for our first Portuguese-English Festival. We are very proud to be able to host this event and I hope that people from all over the district will be able to come and join in the festivities and extend their friendship to local people and visitors.”
Counsellor for Portuguese Communities Antonio Cunha is the latest special guest, joining Portuguese Consulate General, Jorge Cruz, who will be in Grantham on behalf of the country’s UK Ambassador, with two members of the Portuguese Confederation of Culture and Sport, Veladimiro Castilho Matos and Anabela Henriques Lanca.
Portuguese performers, Rui Bandeira and Monica Sintra, will be supported by fellow musicians Joana Lobo Anta and Natalia Cerqueira, and a number of local bands.
The main stage live music line-up on Saturday is: Alex Cavan: 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Pete Wayre: 3.45pm – 4.45pm; Natalia Cerqueira: 5pm – 6pm; Hi Boys Trio: 6.15pm – 7.45pm; Monica Sintra: 8pm – 9.30pm. Sunday (23 June) starts with Chasing Embers: 12.30pm – 2pm, then Naturally Sourced: 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Joana Lobo: 3.45pm – 4.45pm; 23 Reasons: 5pm – 6.30pm; Rui Bandeira: 6.45pm – 8pm
The event is being hosted by SKDC and its economic growth and regeneration company, InvestSK, with PT Connections – a community non-profit organisation to foster friendship and cultural exchange between the English and Portuguese communities, grow unity within the community, as well as strengthen ties with other communities.
The event will take place at St Peter’s Hill opening at 10am each day and closing at 10pm on 22 June and 8pm on 23 June. To find out more visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/marketevents
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