Accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Arnold Hatch the rural festival representatives from Portadown, Mervyn Carrick, Sally Hill, and Noelle Menaul were hosted and entertained by members of the Cepelia Kurpinka traditional culture group who were taking part in the festival together with other Polish and European groups including Romania, Ukraine, and Bosnia Herzegovina. 

Set in a beautiful rural region the festival was staged in the tranquil surroundings of the park which reverberated with the sound of traditional music and was emblazoned with the colourful regional national costumes of the local population and the visiting performers.

Meeting with the Mayor Darius and the Polish Minister of Culture gave the delegation the opportunity of exchanging civil greetings and sharing views of the respective countries.

The visit of the Cepelia - Kurpianka 30 strong group to Country Comes To Town festival in 2007 was clearly very fresh in their minds and they spoke highly of their experience and the warm hospitality extended to them in Portadown.

Subject to funding the connections now established between the Kadzidlo Festival and Country Comes To Town creates the opportunity to further develop cultural music and dance exchanges and already an invitation has been extended by Mayor Darius for Irish / Ulster Scots dancers and musicians to come to next year’s festival.

It is reasonable to conclude given the willingness by Governments, Funders and Communities that such exchange Cultural Visits could become an annual highlight at the respective festivals giving a new European and International dimension to sharing and respecting cultural diversity.

In terms of Community Development, particularly in rural areas, the visit to Poland highlighted the value of networking and making connections beyond our parochial comfort zones.  Exposure to the problem and difficulties experienced by other European rural regions and their efforts to address the rural deficit and disadvantage are of immense value to our own rural citizens as they try to assert their value and worth in society.

The Community Relations /Good Relations dimension was invaluable giving an insight to the background and way of life of those of different nationalities and provides a better understanding of cultural diversity.

The medium of rural festivals and exchange visits has the potential to educate in the matters of:

• Appreciation of Cultural Diversity
• Developing mutual respect and understanding
• Bridging physical and physiological division
• Introducing new ideas and features
• Addressing language and cultural barriers
• Providing opportunities to travel and learn
• Strengthening Civic and Community Connections
• Creating an ‘international attraction’
• Increasing tourist and visitor numbers
• Adding to the economic dynamic

Co-operation by all parties is essential in developing the concept of interacting with other European and International Festivals; and the visit to Poland with the participation of TADA Rural Support Network, The Deputy Mayor of Craigavon and CCTT festival representatives amply illustrates the benefits of such exchanges.