The Caribbean's Coming To Lisburn
June 8, 2018
On Saturday 16th June a Caribbean Carnival will take place at Penny Square, Lisburn from 12 noon and is open to everyone.
It will see Caribbean dancers, flame throwers, island music and authentic Caribbean food take over Penny Square. This festival has been arranged to celebrate Penny Square’s newest addition to the foodie family ‘Mama Hazel’s Caribbean Cuisine’.
Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said: “The Council is pleased to support this free event that will be colourful, energetic and rhythmic in terms of Caribbean dancers, food and music. Mama Hazel’s started as a Saturday market trader at Penny Square and has enjoyed the Square so much that she’s become a permanent resident in The Sunshine Shack at the entrance.
“Mama Hazel regularly serves up her signature Lentil and Coconut Curry, Jerk Chicken, Beef Patties and many more traditional Caribbean dishes on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and a special menu will be served at The Caribbean Carnival. Mama Hazel’s personality is as big as the flavours in her food so her company alone is worth the visit!
“Like Mama Hazel we would like to see this event well attended. It will be running until 8.00pm and will offer something for everyone. This event has been designed to bring together people from different cultures and allow them to experience the Caribbean culture, sample good food and engage in conversation. We would encourage visitors to come dressed in traditional Carnival costume.”
Live music and Caribbean dancers will entertain families throughout the day from 12 noon. Mayte Blaauw, who specialises in teaching early years to dance, will be encouraging the children to join in and adults are more than welcome as well.
Visitors can also enjoy joining the Conga line or Limbo competitions that will take place randomly throughout the Carnival; and there will be fun prizes up for grabs. At 5.00pm a Reggae style DJ will take over until 8.00pm. The finale act David Blayze, a traditional flame thrower and fire spinner, will mesmerize visitors from 7.00pm – 8.00pm.
Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Development Committee added: “The Council throughout the year supports a number of initiatives that bring together different cultures to allow them to understand and appreciate them. The Mama Hazel Caribbean Carnival will be a fun filled day that should leave everyone who attends feeling very cheery and wanting to reggae.”