Community spirit shines in Lozells

Jul 30 2007 By Nick Mccarthy, Birmingham Mail

THE sun finally shone on Birmingham as thousands of revellers partied at a family festival.

More than 3,000 people enjoyed a warm and sunny afternoon as they turned out for the second Lozells family festival yesterday.

They were treated to an eclectic mix of music, food and dance at St George's Park in Wills Street.

Chairman of the organising committee and the Lozells neighbourhood forum, Nawal Ali, said it was great to hear the good news of Lozells after the area's troubled past.

"We joined together to organise an event that would bring the community together," he said. "The idea was to create something positive and it was very successful when it launched last year.

"We hosted a range of music from rap music to reggae and bhangra and there was plenty of entertainment and food as varied as the music.

"And, thankfully, the weather stayed dry and warm. It was a great event which brought together local councillors, community groups, the police and the council."

Organising committee member Elaina Cohen said: "At 7am it was a touch and go as to whether it would go ahead because the ground was sodden from all the rain.

"But everybody pulled together, the sun shone and everybody had a great time. In addition to all the entertainment, there have also been hundreds of people visiting the jobs tent."

Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood, MP was among the revellers.

"It shows the Lozells community is moving forward," he said. "We hope to be back next year for another fantastic day."