Colourful Event Celebrates Sari Fashion
A colourful evening of fashion, entertainment and food, inspired by the Sari – a traditional outfit worn by women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal - will be held on Friday May 26 at Slice of India in Mansfield Road, Derby.
The evening event (6.30pm to 9.30pm) has been organised by Derby’s South Asian arts organisation, Surtal Arts, as a belated finale event for last Autumn’s Derby Season of Light – a popular family festival of activities, events and performances to celebrate the city and county’s diversity and creativity.
The evening will include a catwalk show taking the audience on a journey across India to highlight the different textiles and accessories worn in different regions of the country as well as showcasing the contemporary creations of British Asian luxury brand Neeva-D London.
Bollywood dance performances will be followed by the dance floor opening with popular Bhangra and Bollywood music from the 80s to the present era and a menu of Indian cuisine will be served.
Guests are invited to wear and even hire and be styled with a Sari or Langha for the event and there will be the opportunity to exchange and buy pre-loved outfits sustainably at the Sari Swap Shop.
Surtal Arts chair Nisha Nath explained: “Derby Season of Light was a huge success last Autumn and the chance for everyone from all cultures across the city and county to come together to participate in and enjoy different activities, performances and events.
“It was all about celebrating the key element of different religious festivals at this time of year which unite us all – namely light - signifying inclusion, hope and remembrance and to mark the 75th commemorations of India and Pakistan’s independence.
“Sari Sari Night celebrates an iconic fashion item worn by women and girls across South Asia which, again, unites so many different people, cultures and faiths.
“It is open to everyone of all genders, ages and cultures to enjoy a perfect evening of fashion, food and entertainment.
“Plans are underway for the 2023 festival so we also hope that this will whet everyone’s appetite for several weeks of colourful cultural events later this year.”
Derby Season of Light is spearheaded by Surtal Arts, the long-established Derby organisation rooted in traditional South Asian arts. They who are working with a wide range of partners including Derby City Council, Derby LIVE, Derby Museums, University of Derby, Déda, Derby Theatre, Air Arts, Fleet Arts, Number Twenty Eight and Belper Town Council, with funding from Arts Council England thanks to National Lottery players.
For more information and to book tickets (which cost £20 a head), please visit https://www.surtalarts.co.uk/event-details/sari-sari-night