TASTY dishes from around the world were on offer for young and old to sample at an international festival celebrating the borough's diversity.

The event organised by Involve Community Services - a charity that supports other local charities and community groups throughout Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough - was held at Bracknell and Wokingham College last Saturday.

Diane Benford, community development advisor, said: "Involve Community Services in Partnership with Bracknell Forest Council had a lovely day celebrating the strength and diversity of the Bracknell borough with so many wonderful groups sharing their colourful and delicious dishes that were available free to the public.

"Groups who shared their unique, warm hospitality, arts and history were BICS (Bracknell Islamic Society) The Chinese Group, ICAB (Indian Community Association Bracknell), Dastyar (Afghan Group), Bahai and the Thai Community.

"We had the Police, Healthwatch, Open Learning Centre, U3A, The Bracknell Forest Society, World of Languages and the Stroke Association giving free blood pressure tests.

"The Fire Service brought their fire engine along to allow the children to climb and learn about the equipment. Bouncy castle and face painting were on offer for the children.

"The day started with Cllr Paul Bettison and Bracknell Forest Town Mayor Cllr Tony Virgo opening the ceremony with the joyous sound of The Bracknell Ghana SDA Youth Choir. "We had a hypnotic and mesmerising Tai Chi demonstration from Mrs Qui Forster and her students. Thai Ladies dancing in their beautiful traditional attire and Newbold’s Children’s Choir to end our warm and wonderful afternoon.

"It was a truly wonderful day for all. So watch this space for next year!"

Involve Community Services supports local charities and community groups, whether it is groups that are just getting started or long established groups. “We were delighted to hold this event for the second year running as there are lots of things going in our communities that we may not always notice. It is great to see communities supporting themselves and also coming and sharing who they are and what they do with others” said involve’s Manager, Philip Cook.

Involve works with statutory partners, charities and communities as we strive towards self reliance and resilient communities/ neighbourhoods.

Around 500 people came along and took part in the Cultural Festival 2017 and the charity hopes next year's will be even bigger.

Manager Philip Cook said: “We were delighted with the attendance, diversity and success of this years event. Our thanks go to all the groups that came and shared their religion, cultural, food and more, to all the people that came along and to the Mayor of the Borough, Cllr Tony Virgo, and the Leader of the Council, Cllr Bettison, for joining us too.”

Involve offers development, support, training, advice, volunteering and more for the voluntary and community sector across Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough.

To find out more visit www.involve.community or search on Facebook and Twitter @involve_BF