Ffestiva!

The world comes to Carmarthenshire on Sunday July 21st when the National Botanic Garden of Wales will be alive with the sounds and colours of music and dance from many different cultures.

Headlining the day-long World Music event will be the 10-piece, high-energy, pan-African Mankala Band, whose joyous roots dance music will prove infectious to all listeners.

The dancing girls and drummers of Samba Tawe will bring a real flavour of carnival to the Garden as they parade up the Broadwalk and perform in Millennium square.

Visitors can also enjoy some exotic sounds provided by classically-trained Indian musician Rajesh David and his highly accomplished band, as well as the emotional and uplifting sounds of Klezmer music – traditional Jewish – played by family band Klezmic Rays.

There is a chance to get involved, too, with two drum circles run by drummers Gbubemi Amas and Emmanuel Okuni Annang in which children and adults can try their hands at playing djembes and congas.

Organiser Helen Adam said: “The drum circle is a very exciting and rewarding experience as total novices can be playing and grooving within minutes, and it is addictively enjoyable.”

For quieter moments, henna artist Farhana will be around to decorate your hands with beautiful and intricate henna designs, while Cor Meggafon will delight you with a cappella harmonies.

All the artists performing live and work in Wales (or Bristol, in the case of some of the Mankala Band!) and the event celebrates the cultural diversity that exists in our rural corner of West Wales.

The event has been co-ordinated by Helen Adam, a local musician, who herself is performing with the Klezmic Rays.

Normal Garden admission applies and there is no charge for any of the musical events. There will be a small charge for henna hand painting. Ffestiva! starts at 11.30 with the Samba parade, and there will be events throughout the day at different venues around the garden until 5.30.

* For more information contact David Hardy david.hardy@gardenofwales.org.uk or Helen Adam helenadamfiddle@gmail.com

* The National Botanic Garden of Wales is open from 10am-6pm. For more information about events, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk or call 01558 667149.