A cultural exchange of artistes of Kerala and Britain is on the cards through Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative on the 2019 edition of Manchester Day on June 23.
The presence of Keralites in the last three editions of Manchester Day with projections on Ayurveda, Theyyam and Thunchath Ezhuthachan, and the impressive RT initiative has opened the gates for cultural exchange.
Manchester Day
Launched in June 2010, Manchester Day is a larger than life celebration, inspired by New York’s Thanksgiving parade, that brings carnival spirit to City Centre supported by the Manchester Council and Art Council of England.
Candida Boyes, creative director and designer, Walk The Plank, that organises the spectacular event, is in the State since November 17 scouting for master artist and students for the 10th edition.
Role of Keralites
“Kerala community in Manchester is in the forefront of the 70 communities that participate in the event. Last year, 150 people from the Manchester Malayalee Association represented the State in the event. This year, we want artistes from here to participate and I am in search for them. The Manchester Council and the Art Council will extend the financial support to them,” Ms. Boyes told The Hindu here. Ms. Boyes held discussions with Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Tourism Secretary Rani George and RT Mission State Coordinator Rupesh Kumar.
“I am looking for a master artist with multiskills and students. I am only half way through the job and will finalise the artistes after winding up the tour on November 29. It will open doors for cultural exchanges in the days ahead. It is an opportunity to engage for the future,” says Ms. Boyes, who first arrived here 12 years ago as a tourist.
Theme
Manchester Day will have “Ten out of Ten” as theme to coincide with the 10th edition.
The Creative Director is all praise for the Malayalee Association that is organising language and dance classes in Manchester every week.
Synergy
Ms. Boyes says there is great synergy between the RT and the Green initiative in Manchester.
“Our city will become the first carbon neutral in the U.K. by 2038. All things to be used for the parade are biodegradable. City comes to a standstill and there is no traffic. Power is switched off. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural linkages.”
