Palestine represented in Hertfordshire

Palestine is not celebrated often enough in small towns across England. So when the chance came up to represent Palestine in a small town in the South East of England, the Khalifeh Sisters jumped at the chance. Sarah, Arwad and Nour Khalifeh will be representing their homeland Palestine, at a carnival in Hertford, Hertfordshire. Hertford is a small, mainly White and middle-class town, where the sisters have been residing for the past 11 years. This is the first time the carnival will be taking place after ten years of absence. The theme they have chosen for the carnival is "Palestinian Wedding;" where the bride and groom will be dressed in traditional authentic Bethlehem wedding outfits. The sisters will be accompanied by Al Ashbal Dabkeh group who will perform to carnival attendees; meanwhile a fashion show showcasing traditional Palestinian costumes will take place. Other activities the sisters will be running, alongside their mother, will be storytelling, Arabic food/drink tasting, Henna tattoos, educational workshops for children, and exhibiting Palestinian artefacts and jewellery. Three awards will be given out on the day, and the sisters are hoping to win at least one of them. The carnival will take place on Sunday, June 24th 2012, starting at 12pm and running until 6pm on the same day. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend the cultural family-friendly event. Sponsors of the event include The Palestinian Embassy in London and a number of Arabic restaurants in London. For more information on the carnival, please visit its official website on www.hertfordcarnival.org.uk , or if you wish to volunteer at or/and sponsor the event, please contact Arwad Khalifeh on arwad.k@hotmail.co.uk