There were cultural dances and performances. Asian and Jamaican Food stalls, The Lions Club and the Girls Guide were all represented, as well as festures on the Big Screen.
The occasion was graced by VIPs from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Assembly, the Metropolitan Police, the Army and the Christian community. The special guests, included the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwish for 2013, Cllr. Angela Conforth, Archbishop of Southwark, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, representing the Christian community, Commander of the Woolwich Barracks, Lt. Col. Christopher, Police Commander of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Police Commander Richard Wood, London Assembly Member for Greenwich and Lewisham, Len Duvall and many other important personalities.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Asian Festival, Atma Singh Kang, highlighted the importance of the festival and said it represented a unifying event capable of becoming an icon for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the South East London, neighbouring boroughs and communities.
He said the event already receives suport from Asians in the south east and kent, and that the committee plans to make the festival a yearlong recurring event, rather than a single one. For this reason, he said they would require assistance of volunteers as well as fund-raisers, even if they will operate on percentage basis. He said they also require performers and artists to diversify activities and get more people interested.
In her speech, the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr. Angela Cornforth said that "the Asian festival aims to enable people to experience the fun and artistry of different cultures of our Borough and to open people's minds to the skills and contribution of the rich mix of communities who live in Greenwich." She said "festivals of this nature are an important way of uniting the community and promoting racial harmony." The Mayor highlight the fact that Greenwich Council is the council of the year for 2013.
Announced by the LGC Awards in March, Greenwich beat Derby City Council, Essex CC, Newham LBC, Surrey CC and Wakefield Council to win the top accolade.
Presenting certificate to the Mayor, the Chairman Atma Singh Kang said that `Woolwich is a magical place because of its diversity" and that this is one of the things that make it a great contributor to the borough.
According to him, "Asian culture is fun and enjoyable, done to allow people to let their hair down and that Asians have become very much a part of the modern world". He said that Asian "culture is one of the veicles for increasing economic progress to London".
Archbishop Kevin McDonald said that the Asian Festival is for everyone, and not just for Asians, and that everybody should work eogether to seek and achieve the commond good. He said the important question is "can you discover friendship with someone who is different? Friendship is very important for multi-cultural environment."
In his speech, Col. Christopher, who said he came back to Woolwich for the third time in January, was glad of the changes he has seen on his third return, 8 years after he was last posted here.
He wondered why people who have come to sympathise with them at the barracks following the ugly incident in May, during which a serving soldier was attacked and killed on the streets of Woolwich, always felt the military blamed them for it. He said "people should not feel that the military blame them for the urgly incident but should work together to co-exist in harmony and avoid a repeat".
Police Commander Richard Wood, said he was proud of the unity shown by Woolwich people in frustrating attempts by some trouble makers to use the death of Drummer Lee Rigby as an opportunity to cause mass riots in Woolwich. He urged all communities to live in peace with one another.
In his speech, Len Duvall, London Assembly Member for Greenwich and Lewisham said he was glad that the Asians took steps to go round and bring people together. He said trouble makers often seek to divide us and the festival goes to show that in coming together, the people of Woolwich sill not be divided. He said "we are stronger working together than separately."
The Chairman thanked the Gurdwara and Sikh Temples in Woolwich, the Nepalese Community, Gurkha Ex-servicemen community and the Lion's club (Woolwich and Bexley) for their support to the for the festival.
According to him, evidence of the importance of the Asian people to the world is the fact that, "of the biggest four economies in the world at the moment, three are Asian". He said that every city needs Asian and for this reason, the Asians will be embarking on a door-to-door campaign to solicit for co-operation and involvement of people of other cultures in future festivals. Expect them!
Report by Benson Agoha.
Twitter: @bensonagoha.
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For Woolwich Arsenal Online.
Twitter: @woolwichonline.
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