AFRICAN Caribbean's rich culture will be celebrated at a special event to be staged in Bury next month.

Displays, stalls and music, all with a distinct African Caribbean theme, will be featured at a special awareness day at The Met on Sunday, June 9 beginning at 3pm.

Main organiser of the event is Mrs Elizabeth Higgins of the Bury African Caribbean Family and Friends Association.

Mrs Higgins is well-known throughout the town because of her work to promote African Caribbean culture.

She originally came to Bury in the mid-1950s to work as a nurse at the town's Fairfield Hospital.

Commenting on next month's event, Mrs Higgins said: "It will be a celebration for the Queen's Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games and to share our deep sympathy for the passing of the Queen Mother whose presence was also felt in the Commonwealth countries.

"This will hopefully be an uplifting day for the people of Bury, to have a better understanding and to keep alive the culture and goodwill of the African Caribbean people and their families."

Mrs Higgins added: "Good health and welfare needs ought to be addressed in a progressive and changing society. This day will be free and welcoming."

Visitors will also be able to see, listen to and experience displays of Caribbean dance and music as well as tasting Caribbean cuisine.

The event is being sponsored and financed by The Co-operative Bank and is supported by Bury Council for Voluntary Service and social services and other interested parties.

Mrs Higgins continued: "They will seek to give this ethnic group the opportunity to gain skills in fund raising, marketing and organisational management.

"This day will be open to membership and views, linking partnership of services within the social structure of the borough."

Stalls embracing local services and literature will also be set up, giving people the chance to see what Bury is doing for its citizens in partnership with other surrounding towns and national networks.

Mrs Higgins said: "For so long, this ethnic minority group tried but did not receive public subsidies because they were unorganised and lacked administrative skills.

"But the time is now right and fruitful. In order to go forward towards the re-generation of the local economy , we need your help and goodwill."

For further details of the event, ring Mrs Higgins on 01706 369663.