WILTSHIRE’s cultural diversity will be celebrated in Bradford on Avon this weekend, with the town’s second International Festival.

Building on the success of last year’s event, held in one day, the festival has extended to three days this year, to include a food festival, a children’s day and a disco.

The festival, running from today (Friday) until Sunday, is being organised by Bradford on Avon resident Wellie O’Driscoll, who has spent a large part of her life travelling the globe, to places including Thailand, Germany, America and Egypt.

She said: “After 30 years of being overseas, I realised on my return to Bradford on Avon that there was a whole host of cultural diversity in this region, which led to myself and my friend, Jackie Allen, creating the Interna-tional Festival.

“This time, I’ve mostly organised the festival alone, as Jackie was unable to, which has been a bit challenging at times, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

The festival starts at 10am today, with a food festival until 5pm in St Margaret’s Hall. Stalls will offer a selection of foreign cuisine, including paella, tortillas, Thai dishes and crepes.

On Saturday, St Margaret’s Hall will have a Countries Market, from 10am to 6pm, where there will be gifts for sale, including jewellery, table cloths and clothes.

Stalls will represent Spain, Tibet, Venezuela and Colom-bia, among others.

Charity stalls will include the Elizabeth Anne Charity, raising money for an Indian village, the Children of Chernobyl, and St Laurence School’s World Challenge.

Belly dancing and salsa performances will take place in the hall, while karate demonstrations will be given in Westbury Gardens.

In the evening, there will be a Groovers and Divas Disco in St Margaret’s Hall between 7.30pm and 11pm.

Ms O’Driscoll said: “The charity aspect is very important, in particular the Elizabeth Anne stall, who’ll be there hoping to raise funds for an Indian village and improve the welfare of its residents.”

The International Festival draws to a close on Sunday, with a Children’s Day in St Margaret’s Hall from 10am and 4pm, where people can discover heritage through dance, music and arts.

For more details, visit www.eventsboa.co.uk.