Newham celebrates South Asian Heritage Month with a vibrant programme around the theme ‘Stories to Tell’
South Asian Heritage Month celebrates the diversity of South Asian people who have made Britain and Newham their home. There will be a diverse programme ranging from film screenings, panels to performances and walks.
This year’s theme is ‘Stories to Tell’ which is all about celebrating the stories that make up our diverse community, the moments that have shaped us, the experiences that have taught us lessons and more. Stories connect us in profound ways and this year, we’ll be exploring various themes through the different events and art forms.
Join us to celebrate Newham’s South Asian heritage.
Journeys to Tell: South Asian Diaspora of Newham
Date and time: Saturday 22 July, 2 - 5pm
Location: Old Town Hall, Stratford 29 The Broadway London E15 4BQ
Hear from local oral historian Farzana Iqbal on her process of documenting and collecting the stories of Newham residents and their journey into Newham. She will be joined by filmmaker Leah Rustomjee and Asif Shakoor to explore the power of storytelling in preserving histories and how they can change the conditions around us.
There will also be an open mic following the panel discussion where residents can share their stories.
Book with eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/654904164987
Chai Tales: Celebrating Desi LGBTQ+ Stories
Date and time: 29 July, 5 - 6pm
Location: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford E15 1EL
Far too often South Asian histories have glossed over queer people and Queer histories have marginalised South Asian experiences. Join us for an evening with Saima Razzaq, Mufseen Miah and Cllr Rohit K Dasgupta in a fascinating panel discussion over chai and samosas as we discuss South Asian LGBTQ+ representation, desire and protest. Hosted by Cllr Rohit Dasgupta.
Missing Medals: Unearthing Invisible Seafaring Histories of Empire
Date and time: Sunday 30 July, 2 - 4pm
Location: City Hall Kamal Chunchie Way London E16
Join researcher and scholar, Asif Shakoor for an inspiring walk exploring British imperialism and migration – exploring the arrival of early South Asian seafarers at Royal Victoria Dock and the Royal Albert Dock in the London Borough of Newham. Asif will unearth invisible seafaring histories of Empire, touring unseen sites around Royal Victoria Dock and it’s vicinity.
Book with eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/missing-medals-unearthing-invisible-seafaring-histories-of-empire-tickets-655262256047
Chai Tales: Living and Growing up in Newham
Date and time: 5 August, 1-2pm
Location: Green Street Library, 337-341 Green Street, Upton Park E13 9AR
Join a group of councillors of South Asian origin and residents as they take you down a memory lane of what it was like living and growing up in Newham. This inter-generational talk will take place in Green street library.
South Asian Heritage Month Finale Concert
Date and time: 18 August, 7 - 10pm
Location: Old Town Hall Stratford, 29 The Broadway, London E15 4BQ
Finale concert featuring globally famous British music legend Apache Indian and Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwali Group from Pakistan. The event will be hosted by Solar radio host DJ Lady G. The line-up also includes DJ Rajah and talented dhol maestro Gubzy. They will team up to provide a musically rich event that has everything from Bollywood mixes to qawwali classics and bhangra-reggae fusion.
For more events, visit www.newhamsouthasianheritage.org
