A two-week programme of events will take place from the 21 November - 5 December 2004 including music, talks, multimedia installation and workshops. Additionally, we will be bringing overseas performers and scholars from Bangladesh to showcase baul/folk music with a particular focus on Durbin Shah, a poet, philosopher & singer from Sylhet.

As well as celebrating the cultural wealth of Bangladesh and raising the profile of the community, the programme offers opportunities to develop skills in a series of taster workshops and master classes in baul/folk music.

Furthermore prior to the Festival, we will be organising singing workshops for children (aged 8-13) at the Kobi Nazrul Centre with a view to performing at the launch event. Additionally we will be running DJ and music mixing classes for young people (14-25) whom will produce and create music that reflects both their east and west influences with a focus on Durbin Shah.

This project is facilitating a growing need in the UK for Bangladeshi people to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage and ties. That preservation begins with encouraging children and young people the opportunity to participate in projects enabling them to discover and be proud of their ancestral background. Furthermore, the festival creates a gateway for bridging gaps in the mainstream by promoting understanding and diversity.

This Festival is being organised in partnership with Lambeth Arts & Events and the Durbin Shah Memorial Trust UK.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

On Sunday 21 November at 6.30pm, the Festival of Durbin Shah will be hosting one of its main event titled 'Bajay Banshee Bondhu Shaymoray (Dear Shayem Plays the Flute) at York Hall, Old Ford Rd E2. This event will showcase some of the popular songs of Durbin Shah bringing forth the fiery, spiritual, raw and deep songs and philosophy to the UK audiences. Performances are by overseas and local artists.

Saturday 27 November at 6.30pm at the Kobi Nazrul Centre, a free seminar will take place on 'Durbin Shah's Life & Work'; Showkatul Hasan Choudhury whom has written books and papers on Durbin Shah will be facilitating this culminating in a cultural event. Tickets are limited and need to be booked in advance.

On the 23/24 and 29/30 of November from 2-5pm at the Kobi Nazrul Centre and 4 December 2-4pm at the Crisp Street Idea Store, local people and arts practitioners will have the opportunity to participate in a series of free master classes/workshops facilitated by Md Kala Mia, Md Abul Bashar and Lovely Deb.

On Sunday 5 December, at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, the closing event of the Festival in which audience members will have the final opportunity to see the overseas artists. Tickets are £7.00 and £5.00 conc. Tickets are limited and can be bought from the Brady Arts and Community Centre.

From 22nd November -3rd December Working in partnership with DRIK, a leading photographer's institution in Indian-sub continent based in Dhaka. A Multimedia Installation has been created 'Mystical Poet Durbin Shah' that will give an insight into Durbin Shah's life, work and music.