Festival showcases vibrant music, cuisine

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This article was published 10/02/2025 (297 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Westman Multicultural Festival brought Brandon to life on Saturday with a colourful display of cultural pride, rhythmic music, and mouth-watering cuisine.

The Jamaican, Nigerian, Indian, and Scottish pavilions each provided a unique glimpse into their heritage, captivating attendees with dazzling attire, dynamic performances, and traditional meals that delighted the senses.

At the Historic Firehall Event Centre, the Jamaican Pavilion radiated the energy of the Caribbean. Hosts and volunteers dressed in vibrant yellow, black, and green — mirroring the national flag — welcomed guests to an experience rich in reggae and jazz music.

The audience seemed enthralled by the Yaadies Family Band from Steinbach, Manitoba. This group, consisting of a father, mother, daughter, two sons and a family friend, delivered renditions of reggae classics. The wife led the vocals, while the father provided backup, the daughter played the keyboard, and the two sons impressed on drums and bass guitar.

Guests clapped along to the infectious rhythms and indulged in Jamaican dishes. Festival, fried plantains, patties, rice and peas, and the ever-popular jerk chicken were among the highlights.

The meal was delicious, Leora Elliot, one of the attendees, told the Sun on Saturday.

It reminds me of being in Jamaica. I had festival and jerk chicken, and it was so good that I took some home.”

Carolyn Haydock, another resident, shared compliments similar to Elliot’s.

“The festival was especially good, and the jerk chicken was very tender,” she said.

Westman Jamaica Community secretary Tashiba Henlon expressed her excitement about returning to the festival after a COVID-related hiatus.

“It feels great to be back. People missed the Jamaican flavour, and they were eager to experience our food and live performances again,” she told the Sun. “The pavilion saw over 1,000 attendees on Friday and expected even larger crowds on Saturday.”

For the first time, Nigeria made its mark at the festival, hosting its pavilion at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans hall . The event was glamorous, as hosts adorned in traditional Nigerian attire danced to rhythmic beats, drawing attendees into the cultural celebration.

Many residents joined in the dancing, clapping along to the drumbeats and melodies.

The culinary offerings at the Nigerian Pavilion were also enticing.

Styles Kitchen served a variety of traditional dishes, including jollof rice and chicken, egusi soup, vegetable soup, and semolina pudding.

The experience was “absolutely amazing,” event co-ordinator Emmanuel Akobi told the Sun.

He noted the significant turnout, with an estimated 1,500 people attending on Friday and more expected on Saturday.

“We wanted to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture through food, music, and dance,” Akobi said. “Despite challenges in securing a venue and logistics, we have made a statement, and we are thrilled by the overwhelming response.”

At the Victoria Inn, the Indian Pavilion dazzled attendees with vibrant traditional attire and dynamic performances. Hosts dressed in stunning ensembles that showcased the diversity of Indian culture, while children excitedly received Henna tattoos, a beloved tradition in Indian celebrations.

The pavilion has witnessed an evolution since 2018 when it started, event lead Pal Brar said in an interview on Saturday.

“The Indian community in Brandon has grown, making it easier to find talented performers. We started small, but now, our pavilion is consistently packed with attendees,” she said. “The event featured a variety of regional performances, primarily from Punjab, Kerala, and other Indian states.”

Food lovers were treated to an array of Indian delicacies, catered by Chilli Chutney. Popular dishes included butter chicken, paneer curry, samosas, and Manchurian, along with mango lassi and chai tea. Brar noted that despite financial challenges, the festival was a must-have winter event for the community. “Not everyone can take a warm vacation, but this festival brings warmth and joy to Brandon.”

After a five-year hiatus, the Scottish Pavilion made a grand comeback at the Victoria Inn’s Grand Ballroom, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. Attendees packed the venue, with many standing due to a lack of available seating. The performances featured the Suzuki Tour Group, comprised of musicians aged four to 18, and the 26th Field Regiment Pipes & Drums, both of which received thunderous applause.

Westman Scottish Association President Sarah-Jane Speers, who has been part of the pavilion for 22 years, was thrilled by the turnout.

“The numbers have surged since our last event in 2020. We’ve reached full capacity, and it’s wonderful to see people so excited to have us back.” She estimated that approximately 2,000 people visited the pavilion over the two-day event.

Scottish cuisine was another highlight, with an increased demand leading to a restock of food supplies. Guests enjoyed traditional dishes while immersing themselves in the energetic performances.

“The enthusiasm from the community has been incredible,” Speers said. “People missed us, and they showed up in full force to celebrate Scottish heritage.”

Hundreds of residents also visited seven other pavilions across the city, including those representing Ukraine, El Salvador, Colombia, Mauritius, Palestine, and the Philippines. These pavilions further showcased the diversity within Brandon, offering unique cultural experiences through music, performances and traditional dishes.

The festival’s success was a testament to Brandon’s multicultural spirit, Westman Multicultural Festival Society event coordinator Kerselin Fumier told the Sun.

“Each pavilion transported visitors to a different part of the world through music, dance, fashion, and cuisine,” he said.

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