Phil Gillam: Multi-Cultural Fun Day has positive message

So sang Elvis Costello in 1978, covering the great Nick Lowe song.

And when you’ve just finished watching the television news and you’re sitting there, numb and despairing at the state of our world, you have to admit, it’s a good question: What’s so funny about peace, love and understanding?

The otherwise delicious meal you were hoping to enjoy has just been ruined by the six o’clock headlines: stories of murder, terror, war and famine.

Why do human beings find it so hard to get along with one another?

Well, I like to believe that, overwhelmingly, human beings are essentially kind and compassionate and good, and this belief is demonstrated and celebrated by an event taking place in Shrewsbury this weekend.

Music, dancing, coffee and cakes, art workshops and ukuleles will feature in the annual Multi-Cultural Fun Day being held at the United Reformed Church, Coleham Head, on Saturday from 12 noon until 3.30pm.

This lovely, family-friendly, and always colourful event will feature the Oswestry Street Band, Bhangra dancers, food stalls, the Shrewsbury-based Footlights Dance School, and the Shropshire Ukulele Massive.

All ages are welcome and entry is free.

One of the key organisers of the event is John Mustafa, owner of the Masala Restaurant next to the Greyfriars Bridge. I’ve known John for many years and I know he does a tremendous amount to support charities and good causes and believes passionately in the importance of strong communities.

In short, John, like me, believes in peace, love and understanding. And what’s so funny about that?

Cheers to Shroptoberfest

Moving on to other matters ….

A pub and bar map has just been launched in homage to the upcoming Oktoberfest - named Shroptoberfest.

Now, I love pubs … (“No, really, Phil?” I hear my pals ask sarcastically), and I love beer (“You do surprise us, you really do!”).

So of course I was mighty interested to hear of this.

The Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District) is behind this new, German-themed version of the Pub and Bar Voyage map, the original of which was launched earlier this year.

These maps, available from venues around the town, provide a guided tour of Shrewsbury, showing the eclectic mix of places to eat and drink.

Thus, you can enjoy a botanical cocktail experience in Darwin’s Kitchen and move on to a unique artisan gin at the House of Gin - or perhaps a craft beer in Dough and Oil. There is much to be discovered.

Friends have sometimes (rather unkindly, I think) referred to me as a bit of a stick-in-the-mud when it comes to exploring new pubs and new beers. I admit I do tend to stay loyal to one pub in particular (the Prince of Wales) - and also to one favourite pint, Wainwright, a lovely golden ale. But - you know; I could be persuaded to widen my net.

Of course the main Oktoberfest event is staged in The Quarry, but this map is all about exploring the town.

Shroptoberfest will see a number of venues joining in with the Oktoberfest theme, stocking a range of German beers, identified on the map by a German flag.

James Hitchin, owner of The Alb and Eat at Eight, said: “It’s great to be welcoming Oktoberfest to Shrewsbury for a second year after last year’s success. While The Quarry is a great venue, we want to remind people about our great range of pubs and bars around the town.”

The relaunched version of the Pub and Bar Voyage also features Ten & Six, a new Alice in Wonderland-inspired champagne bar in Hills Lane, Shrewsbury.

Aleks Vladimirov, from the BID, added: “We’re pleased to see another new venue opening in Shrewsbury - another unique location to visit on a night out in the town.”

Wow! Sounds like a bit of a change from popping down the local!