As well as being an opportunity to share and celebrate Bengali culture, heritage, language and traditions, the event was designed to promote togetherness, linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism and cultural competence. Children were split into groups and took part in a range of cultural and interactive experiences , including:

• learning about the Bangla language and its importance
• dressing up in traditional clothing and jewellery try traditional perfumes
• playing a range of traditional games from Bangladesh
• learning how to cook some traditional savoury items
• talking to Bangladeshi community representatives and Centre staff
• exploring the history of Bangladeshi people living in the UK
• trying some cultural sweets – with a goody bag for each child to take away

This film documents the Bangla Day event in Sunderland. Around 100 pupils from Richard Avenue Primary School (Sunderland) and Pelton Community Primary School (County Durham) were welcomed to Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre (SBIC) for a festive event to celebrate the richness of Bangladeshi culture, heritage, traditions and language.

We had a great day all round. You can read more about the event and see some pictures at the International Newcastle website.