Aspects of many colourful carnivals from around the world will help celebrate the multi-cultural make-up of the island’s population this weekend.

Cafe Lingo will hold its annual SpringFest at the Promenade Methodist Church in Douglas on Saturday, February 22, from 10.30am.

The popular community event will feature a variety of musicians and performers from various countries who live on the island, live music and dancing, children’s activities, a raffle as well as a range of internationally-themed food and drink.

Now in its second year, SpringFest falls on the date of the Mardi Gras carnival celebrations and is the brainchild of Cafe Lingo student, Anna Montemurro.

She was inspired to create the event by the Italian carnivals that take place in the weeks between Christmas and Lent.

Many different nationalities and communities who live on the Isle of Man take part in SpringFest and there will be examples of many different cultures and traditions on display.

The event will feature entertainment in the form of traditional Manx music and dancing from the young folk group Scran and Perree Bane, and a recitation of the poetry of Robert Burns, read by Cafe Lingo volunteer Alison Shimmins.

There will also be a display of exotic belly-dancing by Gwenaël LaSirene and a session of singalong rock music with Roc Vannin Choir.

Dave McLean, from the Peel Centenary Centre, will perform some boogie-woogie piano and there will be the chance to try out swing dancing with Swing in the Isle.

Also some of the flavours from Eastern Europe will be available from Taste of Poland.

Cafe Lingo was founded by Karen Norton and is an inclusive language educational support group which offers free lessons to local residents who may not have English as their first language.

’Like everything we do at Cafe Lingo, it is a truly international event, with singing, dancing and food from around the world,’ said Karen.

’Whatever your taste, there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy.

’Children will be invited to make Carnival masks, hats and shakers and meet Pedro the Piñata, in between sampling sweet and tasty foods.

’Keeping true to Cafe Lingo’s ethos, admission is free but donations are always appreciated.

’This year funds raised will be divided equally between Cafe Lingo, to help towards running costs of the free lessons, and the children’s hospice Rebecca House.

’Everyone is welcome at SpringFest - any nationality, age, gender, faith or no faith.

’It’s a lovely occasion and we hope to see lots of people there enjoying the warm atmosphere, whatever the weather is outside.’

For more information, contact Karen on 07624458340 or check out Cafe Lingo’s Facebook page.

by Mike Wade

mike.wade@iom today.co.im

Twitter:@iomnewspapers