Arts festival celebrates Asian community

Newcastle-upon-Lyme will host Sensasian, a week-long South Asian arts festival celebrating Asian artists and performers. 

Sensasian began on 9th July with a night of comedy, followed by music, dance, magic and family fun organised by Appetite and the New Vic. 

Vin Bansal, the organiser of Sensasian, said: “I’ve been to some plays and thought, ‘I’m the only Asian person here!” 

Bansal hopes that this event will allow Asian people to enter the theatre industry more efficiently and encourage more Asian people to pursue careers in the industry. 

Also, during the festival, Sonia Sabri Company will perform Roshni, a high-octane show featuring music from India, Spain, and Persia. 

Sabri said: “It’s a real connector with people from all walks of life. 

“It’s global music, and that’s a real speciality of our show.” 

Ben Hart, Britian Got Talent star and award-winning magician, has created his show, Jadoo, after exploring his cultural heritage in India. He said: “I got into magic because I heard a story from my grandparents about seeing a travelling street magician – that was the thing that captured my imagination.” 

A free family event on 13th July will include henna painting, performances and Banghra workshops. 

Gemma Thomas, Appetite Director, said this festival is the “biggest invitation” to the whole community of North Staffordshire. 

She said: “We’re here because people weren’t regularly engaging in the arts. If this is your first time, we’re expecting you! We want to give you the warmest welcome.”