SWINDON’S Goan community said “Mae mdgacho eukar” – or welcome – to their annual summer festival over the weekend.

Crowds gathered at the County Athletic Ground to experience a taste of sunshine, courtesy of the Goan Swindon Association and event sponsor Carillion.

More than 2,000 people were expected at the all-day event which celebrates the best of Goan culture.

Visitors enjoyed an afternoon of live music on the big stage featuring acts such as Basil Fernandes, Rumaldo Estrocio and Maxfloyd Norhonha with his twist on Led Zeppelin’s classic Stairway to Heaven.

On the menu was traditional Goan fare including Chorico Pao (Goan pork sausages) Xacuti (curry with roasted spices and coconut) and Sorpotel (spicy pork and liver curry).

A float reflecting the famous Goan street carnival was also driven around the event. Nelson Carvalho, president of the Goan Swindon Association, said the event attracted people from every part of the community.

“People from all over Swindon come to this event every year and it’s good for us all to get together and show the best of us as a town,” he said.

“People can come and enjoy traditional Goan music or have some delicious food which always goes down well.

“We have always had a good response in the nine years we have been running this event. There are 14,000 people in the Goan community in Swindon and they will always support each other.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said the traditional cuisine was the highlight for him.

“I always have a good time when I’m down here. The food is phenomenal, they make the best fish curries and samosas that I’ve ever tasted here,” he said.

“It’s great to be here and part of the community. The Goan community is so important to us here in Swindon and the contribution they make is fantastic.”

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  • The stage is set for the Goan Summer Festival at the County Athletic Ground. Below, Shaheen Bollywood Dance. Pictures by Clare Green

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