FOODIES and their friends are set to enjoy a global taste experience when an exciting new international-themed culinary festival arrives in October.

The new event, which seeks to celebrate and promote not only food but also cultural diversity in Swindon, will take place at MECA on Saturday, October 14.

Billed as the Swindon Food and Diversity Festival, it will be free to attend with food stalls and entertainment on offer for the public from midday through until 10pm.

The event is the first venture by a newly formed group - UBEMCO - which stands for ‘Union of Black and Ethnic Minority Communities’.

UBEMCO aims to act as a forum for all ethnic minority groups in the town, whether they are from the African region, Asian region, Caribbean or European communities.

“We’re very excited to be holding this event for the first time this October,” said Oladapo Ibitoye.

“We hope that it will become an annual event.

“It’s important to find ways to bring our communities together to celebrate our differences but also the things we all have in common.

“And we all know that there is no better way to do this than through enjoying the things we all love - food, music and good company.”

Oladapo and his fellow organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in running a food stall and from community groups, performers and local traders who would like to take part in the event.

Details have also been released about the format of the day.

It will commence with art and business exhibitions and guest speakers. That will be followed by live entertainment from local and international guest artists, including dancers and drummers, and the final part of the day will include a fashion show featuring dress from different cultural backgrounds.

Food from all over the world will be served throughout the day.

Stall prices ranges from £10 to £90, depending on the kind of group or organisation.

To provide a food stall at the event, groups will need to hold a Food Safety Level 2 certificate and be registered with Swindon Borough Council.

Anyone interested in running a stall at the event should contact Bose Layinka on 07787 764593.

For more information on the event itself or for artists or performers, please contact Oladapo Ibitoye on 07787 764593 or Ellen Heavens on 07577 923694.

Enquiries can also be emailed to ubemco@outlook.com

You can follow UBEMCO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UBEMCO