The Hastings Bengali Forum held their summer festival at the White Rock Theatre Hastings, last Monday. Special guests at the event included Councillor Nigel Sinden, Mayor of Hastings,Councillor James Bacon, Deputy Mayor of Hastings,Councillor Abul Kalam Azad, Mayor of Bexhill and Councillor Zulhash Uddin Mayor of Southborough Town Council.

The festival was opened with the National Anthem of Bangladesh ‘Amar Sunar Bangla’. The programme was chaired by Abdul Mukith, President of the Hastings Bengali Forum. There were performances of traditional Bengali song and dance; guests were invited to try the lamb curry with rice, provided by Jakasia Choudhury. The afternoon was completed with a dessert competition, won by Hemeda Mukith, with Asma  Akther Lupa placed second, and Sultana Khan in third place.

Councillor Nigel Sinden, Mayor of Hastings said: “Once again the Hastings Bengali Association have invited councillors and residents from Hastings and East Sussex to join them and sample traditional food, music, and friendship. Well done to all, and particularly for forging links with all in the community.”