Culture and crafts treat at Gypsy fair - Yorkshire

From the Telegraph and Argus

A special fair is to be held on Saturday in Baildon offering residents the chance to learn about Gypsy history and culture.

The Baildon Green Gypsy Fair has been organised as part of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, a national programme celebrating the history and cultural heritage of the UK’s travelling communities.

The fair will include a traditional Gypsy camp, bow wagons and horses, donkey rides and traditional craft demonstrations. There will also be palm reading demonstrations, traditional Roma dancing, a “dance off” as well as storytelling and activities for children.

There will be lots of opportunities to talk to people from Gypsy and Traveller communities and find out about their unique culture.

Bradford Council is helping organise the fair as part of a programme of events to build understanding, tolerance and positive relationships between different communities. The authority runs two official Travellers’ sites – one at Bowling Back Lane and the other at Esholt.

Councillor Imran Hussain, the deputy leader of the Council said: “Events celebrating culture and heritage help us all develop better understanding, tolerance and relationships between community groups.

“A huge amount of work, particularly from local Baildon residents and Gypsy and Traveller people, goes into making this event so successful.”

Henry Price, Romany Gypsy community leader said: “The Baildon Green Fair follows the fantastic success of the 2010 event.

“Bradford has had a long association with travelling communities and the fair will give people the chance to find out about our history and culture.

“We are very pleased Bradford Council has supported the fair”

Lucy Maddison, centre manager and community development worker at Baildon Community Link attended the 2010 event, and said: “This year I am delighted Baildon Community Link will be directly involved in the event.”

The Baildon Green Gypsy Fair runs on Saturday from 11am to 4pm at Baildon Green, Green Road, Baildon.

For more, call Fiona Natarajan on (01274) 434812.