Stevenage s annual multi-cultural arts event – Celebrate!!! – turns five this year. Organised by the Stevenage World Forum, Celebrate!!! is a joyful event that recognises and, as the name suggests, celebrates the different cultures and ethnic communities

Stevenage's annual multi-cultural arts event - Celebrate!!! - turns five this year.

Organised by the Stevenage World Forum, Celebrate!!! is a joyful event that recognises and, as the name suggests, celebrates the different cultures and ethnic communities within the town. Celebrate!!! also honours Black History Month and United Nations Day.

This time round Celebrate!!! will be all the more special as 2006 is also the 60th anniversary of Stevenage as a New Town.

The night of entertainment will be held at the Gordon Craig Theatre on Friday, October 27, and will feature music, dance, poetry, drama and song.

All the acts have volunteered from local groups so they truly represent the talents and achievements of Stevenage's multi-cultural community.

Executive councillor for community and culture Sue Myson said: "The borough council is proud to be part of this important community project. We are looking forward to some amazing performances to honour both the fifth year of Celebrate!!! and the 60th year of Stevenage as a New Town."

Vice-chair of Stevenage World Forum Sherma Batson said: "One of our roles is to promote good relations between all communities and Celebrate!!! is just one way in which we can do that.

"For anyone who did not catch last year's show, I would recommend they do this year, as it will be even better!"

Again this year, the Campbell Younge Award for outstanding service to the community will be presented to a deserving winner. This award was established in the name of two early World Forum pioneers - Reba Younge and Cllr Albert Campbell.

If you know anyone who has contributed significantly to improving ethnic community relations write to: Stevenage World Forum, Together Centre, 10-12 Exchange Road, Stevenage, SG1 1PZ or email: info@worldforum.org.uk Nominations close on October 20.

For more information about Celebrate!!! contact the Stevenage World Forum on 01438 369600. Tickets for the show are £5 each and can be purchased from the Gordon Craig box office.