Fiestaval: Southport Latinfest 2022

The environment

We used non toxic bio degradable decorations, we promoted handmade arts and crafts made from natural materials, we encouraged awareness of environmental concerns in Latin America.

The local economy

The Festival attracted visitors to Southport and encouraged wide participation of local residents. Therefore, the festival stimulated the local economy and provided an opportunity for a cultural market allowing local traders and community groups to offer goods, ethnic food, clothing combined with arts and crafts exhibitions

Volunteering, jobs & education

The project provided opportunities for volunteers from the local community to gain experience in event management. It provided work placement experience for a newly qualified professional photographers. It contributed to education through the delivery of talks and workshops on Latin American cultural practices throughout the day which were accessible for all attendees.

Arts, culture & heritage

The project aimed to create a world class celebration of the richness of Latin American arts , entertainment and cultural diversity to enrichen the social, economic and cultural vitality of the Sefton borough; strengthen human rights and cultural awareness and contribute to social cohesion. Fiestaval Southport 2022 brought together a diverse spectrum of local residents and artists from the UK Latin American community. Viva foundation were able to deliver a spectacular event within a short timescale, with limited funds, infrastructure and volunteers that featured a showcase of live Latin American music and dance performances from local national & world class Latin artists plus Latin dance classes for the community as part of the festival. Within the post pandemic context Fiestval Southport 2022 was a timely event needed to boost community cohesion, boost participation in local leisure and entertainment activities and rebuild morale in the community. In so doing, it was successful in raising appreciation and awareness of cultural diversity amongst the local residents and instilling a renewed sense of identity and belonging amongst the local Latin American community. This has helped to build tolerance and respect for other cultures and raised the status of some less visible community groups.