The Vandana dancing company will be performing at this year's show

ORGANISERS are celebrating a “huge coup” ahead of an annual multi-cultural event.

Now in its 11th year, Celebrate!!! will bring an array of music, dance and fashion talent to the Gordon Craig Theatre, highlighting the different cultures flourishing across Stevenage.

Professional dance, music and theatre practitioner Divya Kasturi will be presenting her live production Vandana as part of the showcase by the Stevenage World Forum next Saturday, October 27.

Vandana captures the essence of Indian spirituality through classical dance and live vocals, and will include performances from a number of youngsters in the area.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Divya has lent her talents to a number of film and music projects, once even working with Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.

“It has been a huge challenge but at the same time exciting and joyful to teach the highly codified and complex South Indian traditional dance and music to local children, some of whom are as young as four-years-old,” said Divya.

“I am absolutely delighted that many of them will have their debut stage performance here at Celebrate!!! in Stevenage.”

Councillor Sherma Batson, executive member for community, health and older people at Stevenage Borough Council, added: “We are excited to announce the inclusion of Vandana at this year’s show. To have an act of this calibre performing at our event is a huge coup, and testament to the growing popularity of Celebrate!!!

“We can’t wait for you all to see what’s in store. This year promises to be a thrilling and colourful event, paying tribute to the many rich and vibrant cultures this town has produced.”

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm, cost £7.50.

To book call the box office on 01438 363200 or log on to www.gordon-craig.co.uk

For more information about the event, visit www.worldforum.org.uk/celebrate