Culture Evening is sell-out success

Tickets to experience Southern Africa with the Pestalozzi students raised over £800 for the charity.

Seven Zimbabwean and Zambian students opened the show with spirited renditions of their national anthems and set the tone for the evening.

With a vibrant and colourful atmosphere and a delicious variety of regional dishes to try, the event was a feast of food and culture. After trying pineapple and peanut casserole and Zambian chicken stew amongst other delights, guests were captivated by the African students’ talk-show style discussion on the two countries, including fun facts about both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and a debate over who has the best view of the Victoria Falls!

The entertainment continued with a humourous yet hard hitting dramatic sketch, depicting similar elements of both cultures such as land war, marriage and family life. The students hit a perfect balance of both comedy and cultural awareness which had the audience laughing and wanting more.

“I absolutely loved the energy of the students. The performance and the information were fantastic and the food was amazing too,” said local supporter, Karen.

A poetry recital from Zimbabwean student Marshal Mugwagwa entitled ‘Beautiful Zimbabwe’ carried the evening forward which was followed by Bwalya Kasanda’s cultural hairstyle demonstration and an interactive dance lesson with all of the performing students collectively.

The students were also delighted to welcome supporters Hugh and Peggy Verrall who were celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

“I loved the dancing!” said Peggy. “Watching the students ‘break your waist’ dance was fascinating.”

The evening concluded with guests having the opportunity to chat to the other Pestalozzi students while they made their way back to their cars, hopefully taking a little piece of Southern Africa with them.