Organisers of Teesdale fusion festival promise begger and better event

A MUSIC and dance festival is returning to Barnard Castle for the third year – with organisers promising it will be the biggest yet.
Last year’s Harambee Pasadia – which translates as “Let’s get together to spend the day” – attracted more than 300 festivalgoers from all over the country to The Hub, on Shaw Bank.
It returns this year to coincide with Meet weekend, with  revellers arriving on Friday, May 26 and leaving on the bank holiday Monday morning.
Co-founders Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis del carmen Suriel say that as well as performances by a multitude of world artists including Sekou Keita, Black Voices, Ahjah UK, Backyard Rhythm Orchestra, and the Afro Fusion Ceilidh Band, there will be a host of engaging and interactive workshops for visitors.
These range from West African drumming taught by djembe master Sekou Keita to Kuduro, African American Step Dancing, Samba drumming, Hip Hop dancing, Afro Groove, Tabla drumming, Yoga, Zumba, Capoeira and much more.
Ms Sanders, the festival’s programming director said there will also be a wellbeing area offering massage therapy, hair braiding and gong baths.
The festival also makes use of The Hub’s facilities to offer activities such as high ropes, canoeing, paddle boarding and wood carving also on offer. 
Ms Sanders added: “This year we have a new space called ‘speakers’ corner’ where we will host a series of conversation, presentation and life skills building activities based around social justice and unity.
“Harambee Pasadia is a four-day family camping extravaganza which hosts world-renowned performers of Afro-beat, jazz, reggae, funk, Latin music and fusions of music found in the African diaspora. The festival is inclusive and family-friendly and all ages are invited to try out our activities.”
Ms Sanders and Ms Suriel are both artists in their own right.
Ms Sanders is the composer and director for Hannabiell & Midnight Blue and Ladies of Midnight blue, both ensembles which perform regularly around the UK and abroad.
Ms Sander said: “The vision of the festival, is to create a community and network of artists, thinkers, activists, community leaders and volunteers that can come together, inspire one another and work together in a sustainable way.”
Anyone interested in the festival can experience a flavour of what goes on at an exhibition of festival photographs called Harambee Pasadia Through the Years which is currently on show at The Witham, Barnard Castle.
It continues daily 10am to 4pm until April 22 and admission is free.
More details of the festival can be found online at www.harambeepasadia.com