BlackLive Launch

The Create Studio of the Wyvern Theatre was venue for the launch of multi-cultural website www.blacklives.co.uk this event, attended by the mayor of Swindon, Michael Barnes and compared by noted radio presenter, Shirley Ludford. The aim of the website is to help open up the lives of Britain's various black ethnic minority groups for other to learn about.

Today, Britain has many diverse cultures, which we should both celebrate and use as tools to educate the masses. But, to our shame, many ethnic minority communities are like “ships passing in the night.” We pass each other in the street, but know little or nothing about our various lives.

The launch of www.blacklives.co.uk was a champagne affair, along with a wide selection of light snack, it kept the packed audience fed and watered. But what proved to be the real talking point of the launch, were the live performances: The Young Tamil Dancers offered a fine selection of their traditional dances, dressed in their unique cultural garb, their fine moves told stories that we did not understand. Tom “The Story Man” Harris, showed the depth of his knowledge by telling a number of Caribbean tales. Velma, the R&B singer, gave a roof-lifting performance, showing the true versatility of her voice. Ricky Porter, the showman has the most remarkable amount of experience in entertainment, the audience rocked to the full force of his repertoire.

During a short break in the stage performance, the Mayor and other officials spoke to many of the guests offering tips and advice, while the audience had the opportunity to enjoy the fine food and drinks. Photographers from news papers mingled taking pictures of the brightly dressed performers.

With the re-start of the performers, The Swindon Gospel Singers offered a resounding display of their highly trained voices by singing a number of classic songs. MC Franko, the much acclaimed rapper, gave a star quality performance of his latest single that he wrote recently. The finale performance of the launch show was provided by Tamara, she gave a fine rendition of one of her favourite songs.