Wolverhampton Grand celebrates South Asian Heritage Month

Posted on Tue 24 Jun

This year’s South Asian Heritage Month in Wolverhampton and the Black Country is themed Roots to Routes, a celebration of where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we’re heading.

Through arts, storytelling, performance and shared experiences, the rich cultural roots of South Asian communities in the UK will be explored, and the journeys that have shaped generations. From traditional practices to contemporary expression, Roots to Routes invites everyone to discover, reflect, and connect.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will host a range of events on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 July to celebrate.

Bollywood Dance Workshop - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 July

This workshop delivers a full Bollywood experience including music, costume and of course learning a Bollywood dance routine. The session also focuses on using story telling through dance, hand gestures and foot movement. A short talk on Bollywood is delivered at the beginning of the workshop, and workshops end with a question-and-answer session. The workshops also help to gain an understanding of Indian culture.

Bhangra Dance Workshop - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 July

Jodi Dancers bring the vibrant spirit of Punjab to life with a high-energy Bhangra dance workshop that celebrates tradition and creativity. Originating as a joyful harvest dance in Northern India, Bhangra has evolved into a dynamic expression of culture and celebration and we honour its roots while keeping things fresh and exciting.

The workshops teach a range of Bhangra moves which we then combine into a fun, creative routine that’s guaranteed to get hearts racing and smiles beaming. Whether you’re dancing for fitness, performance, or pure joy, our routines are energetic, easy to follow, and packed with good vibes.

Bhaji On The Beach Screening - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 July

Gurinder Chadha’s (Bend It Like Beckham) directorial debut won a BAFTA and a prize at Locarno. It tells the story of a group of Asian women living in Birmingham who take a daytrip to Blackpool. Hoping for a much-needed holiday, tensions soon emerge within the group and their day by the becomes a time of decision and a moment to remeber.

There will be a pre-screening talk hosted by BBC WM’s Amber Sandu, you must book a ticket to the film to attend this event.

Bhangra Bounce: Storytime with Sohan - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 July

Wave your hands, dig the soil, plant the seeds and celebrate. Bhangra Bounce interactive storytelling and dance takes you on an action-packed fun filled journey to the Panjab (India) to learn all about this colourful farming dance. Join in with Bhangra Bunny and friends, take the train across the farmlands. Let’s sing, dance and play with colourful scarves. Bhangra Bounce help to promote coordination, balance, movement, boost healthier and happier lifestyles through dance and story.

Screening of Nritya Black Country Documentary - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 & 22 July

Nritya: Collecting the Story of Indian Dance in the Black Country focuses on the heritage of Indian dance (classical, traditional and folk styles) and it’s development in the region between 1960 and 2000.

This documentary is part of an exhibition curated by Jaivant Patel Dance that shares stories, memories, photographs, films and objects collected from some of the pioneer dancers, teachers, choreographers and members of the local community. The items gathered allow visitors to discover the interwoven threads, connecting place, people and cultural heritage – and look to the future with contemporary artists reinventing Indian dance.

Share Your Stories - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 & 22 July

Travel across different booths and share voices, memories and traditions, whether it is a cherished family story, a personal journey or a cultural tradition you can share it your way.

Video Booth: Record a short video message
Audio Booth: Share your voice in in a sound bite
Memory Book Booth: Write your story in our community memory book
Conversation Booth: Join a conversation and speak your story aloud
Sketchbook booth: Draw your favourite person, object or place which brings happy memories

Exhibitions - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 & 22 July

A celebration of heritage, identity and community – through threads, textures and traditions that continue to inspire.

Step into a vibrant world of colour, culture and craft. Discover a beautifully handcrafted Indian market cart and elegant Sari, both created by Daya Illustrations a visual artist based in the West Midlands

Pravãs Documentary - The Story Of Gujarati Migration & The Black Country (1950 - 1990) - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 21 & 22 July

Dedicated to those hailing from Gujarat, settling in the UK and those who are no longer with us Pravās tells the powerful and inspiring story of Gujarati Migration to the Black Country using memories collected from first- and second-generation elders and their families.

Craft Activities with Daya Bhatti - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 22 July

Creative workshops facilitated by Daya Illustrations within community, educational and cultural institutes with a wide range of ages and abilities.

Tailored workshops explore storytelling through the use of illustration, textile, recycled material and various creative mediums. As well as skill sharing, Daya encourages participants to explore their inner artist.

Bend It Like Beckham Screening - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 22 July

Instead of wanting to be like her older sister, who is preparing to be a traditional Indian wife, young Jess dreams of playing soccer professionally, like her hero David Beckham! Eventually, her family must decide whether or not to let Jess chase her dream – and a soccer ball – in this insightful romantic comedy.

There will be a pre-screening talk hosted by star of Bend it Like Beckham Ameet Chana, you must book a ticket to the film to attend this event.

Bollywood and Bhangra Memory Café With Roshni Pink - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 22 July

Local performance artists have adapted the Memory Café to cater for people affected by dementia within South Asian communities.

Enjoy lively dance performances that not only entertain but invite you to join in, learn iconic moves and feel the joy of movement as she teaches you how to replicate each step.

Through the power of photographs and music, spark cherished memories and inspire meaningful conversations.

To find out more about South Asian Heritage Month in Wolverhampton and the Black Country, and to book tickets to events, visit southasianheritagewolverhamptonblackcountry.co.uk.