SIGHTS, sounds and tastes of different cultures were at the heart of the returning World Party in Eastrop Park.

Now in its ninth year, the event organised by Basingstoke Multicultural Forum (BMF), the event celebrates and showcases the cultural heritage of the diverse communities that live in Basingstoke and Deane.

With the sun shining, more than 5,500 guests enjoyed dance performances from a host of groups including Fatboyz and Spotlight, as well as showcases of traditional Asian, African and Caribbean music.

Visitors to Eastrop Park also enjoyed face painting, henna, inflatable slides, bungee trampoline and a variety of workshops for all age groups.

This year’s event also had an additional financial boost after it received a Windrush Day Grant making 70 years of the Windrush generation.

Toju Ogbe, from the BMF, said: “We are very pleased at the growing enthusiasm and interest for World Party among residents of Basingstoke.

“This is indicative of a strong appetite for friendship and social contact between the diverse ethnicities and cultural groups that live in the town.”

The World Party is one of the key events organised by the BMF, which aims to promote better understanding between different faiths and cultures in Basingstoke and Deane.

Though this, the group hopes to enable dialogue and collaboration, as well as supporting groups to be an integral part of local society and its development.