Wilson Mathew, Former President of Manchester Malayali Association, handing over the invitation to Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran
Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has received official invitation for its artistes to participate in the world-renowned Manchester Day Parade. The invitation has been received as part of a long term cultural exchange program articulated by Kerala Tourism and State Responsible Tourism Mission along with Manchester City.
Manchester expressed interest in a tie-up with Kerala after the tourism authorities of the City came to know about the activities of the Kerala RT Mission, which has received the prestigious Golden Award at the World Travel Mart in London earlier this year. Following that, the creative director of Manchester Day Celebrations, Candida Boyce, came to Kerala and met the Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and the Tourism Secretary Rani George to express their interest in a long term tie-up in cultural exchange.
Manchester Day Parade – from previous year
The minister has assured all the support to the City from the state’s side for the collaboration, citing it would be beneficial for the artists, who have registered with the RT Mission. The minister appreciated the contribution of the The Malayalee Association of Manchester to materialize the collaboration.
Candida Boyce had visited the artistes registered with the RT mission and understand their activities. She has visited the Responsible Tourism Mission units at Thiruvanthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kasaragod districts. Rupesh Kumar, the RT Mission coordinator, introduced her to the artists who make the outfits for the traditional art forms like Theyyam, Yakshagana Bommyayattam, Theeyyattu Kalam and Kathakali. It is decided to showcase the art forms at the Manchester City Day program this year.
As the first phase of the programmes, Kasargod RT Mission cultural programme member, Anil Karthika and two art students from Kerala Institute of Designing at Chandanathopu, Kollam, have been invited to participate in this year’s events. The official invitation has handed over to the tourism minister by Wilson Mathew, Former President of Manchester Malayali Association and UK representative of Intersight Holidays, in a function at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapruam.
Manchester Day Parade – from previous year
Expenses for selected artists will be borne by the Manchester City Provinces Arts Council. They also expressed their interest to conduct a week-long Kerala Fest in Manchester City in 2020. Most of the funds required for this will be borne by the Manchester City Council, Walk the Plank and the England Arts Council.
“The opportunity for Kerala Tourism and the Responsible Tourism Mission to have a long term cultural exchange programme with Manchester City will help the artistes of Kerala, and the Kerala Tourism industry as a whole,” said Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran
“We consider the invitation to participate in the cultural exchange programme as a major recognition for state tourism and its responsible tourism initiatives,” he added.
