Brampton Rose - South Asian Festival 

Continuing with an exciting lineup of sumer events, the City of Brampton is hosting a South Asian Festival on August9, 2008 in Garden Square atthe Rose Theatre Brampton. Showcasing the very best of South Asian music, dance and cultural performances, the festival is open to all and attendance is free. The fun begins at 12 noon continuing until 11 pm.

The South Asian Festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity that defines this city. Brampton, one of Canada's fastest growing cities is home to 452,000 residents and more than 50 per cent are visible minorities. The South Asian community accounts for nearly 32 per cent of the total population in Brampton and is the largest minority group.

The community includes people originally from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

"This is a celebration of our South Asian community, their culture, tradition, arts and crafts. This festival is a great way to learn about our diverse population. Brampton residents, who represent 175 distinct cultures and speak 70 different languages, bring inspired ideas to life that help cultivate strong community ties. I am very proud that this city truly reflects the multiculturalism of Canada," commented Mayor Susan Fennell.

The festival is an opportunity for established and emerging artists in traditional and contemporary fields of music, dance, film, theatre, cuisine and arts and crafts to showcase their talent. It is also an opportunity for other communities to get a glimpse into the colorful world of South Asians.