One World on show in Bangor

Flavours of world cultural traditions were on display to over 400 students, staff and members of the community who came to Bangor University’s annual celebration of diversity and talent.

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The One World Gala saw twenty acts representing many corners of the globe, performed by individual students and student Clubs and Societies and invited local groups, perform acts ranging from Tongan songs to Ghanaian drumming, Welsh folk singing to Japanese martial arts.

Rajalakshmi, a second year Psychology student from India said:

"The One World Gala gave me an opportunity to showcase our cultural and traditional dance to the students and residents of Bangor. I also got a chance to witness the aspects and dances of other people's cultures, and that is what I absolutely loved about the event. It was energising and bright, and power packed, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it."

Tongan Banking and Finance student Tevita Vahai said:

“The gala was a great platform for me to share a part of my culture with others and at the same time contribute to a great cause. It was also quite refreshing and an awesome experience to see the diversity in talents and cultures from around the world that were being showcased tonight.”

The University’s International Student Support Office has been organising the One World for a decade, and during this time it has become one of Bangor’s main student integration events. There are over 1,500 international students at the University and the project has grown a lot in the recent years. The programme now includes acts from the local community, as well as University students and staff.

Said Marred Glynn Jones, a member of local folk singing party, Y Boncathod:

“We were delighted to accept the invitation to represent Wales and our area in the Gala. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share the stage with talented performers from all over the world and to joyously share our traditions and cultures. The whole evening was a delight.”

Prof John G. Hughes, the Vice-Chancellor: 

“The One World Gala has become an established highlight within the University social calendar and this year’s event again demonstrated the talent amongst our international students, and the pride they have in their various national cultures. The range of songs, dances and instrumentals highlighted the diversity we have here at Bangor University and how important it is for us to share and promote our various cultures, both within the University and with the local community. I would very much like to thank all the students for their hard work and participation at the event.”

The One World Gala raised £409.35 which will be donated to the Wamumbi Orphan Care Foundation, a small charity set up by Genevieve Lamond, a members of staff at the University. The foundation operates in Kenya providing outreach services for orphaned children and their guardians.

One of the highlights of this year’s gala was a dance act by Autonomy, a Hip Hop/Street dance group made up of students from Step One Performing Arts School in Colwyn Bay. The event concluded with the Bangor University’s Indian Society performing a ‘Bollywood through the Ages’ piece taking everyone on a journey through the different eras of Bollywood. 

Publication date: 30 March 2017