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"a celebration of local and international music and culture, strengthening local traditions and lifestyles by creating both community and international bonds through music and the arts"
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"a celebration of local and international music and culture, strengthening local traditions and lifestyles by creating both community and international bonds through music and the arts" |
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The VillageKartong, one of the oldest villages in the Gambia, unspoilt by progress lies between the Hallahein River, bordering Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. The people of Kartong although not rich in material terms, have natural and cultural wealth, with a willingness to help and welcome visitors and introduce them to their way of life in a gentle and non-invasive fashion. The festival has been welcomed and embraced by the village as a way of celebrating and thus preserving their cultural identities. |
Festival OrganisationThe Festival is a registered charity in the Gambia and is organised by an elected body from representatives of a wide range of groups and associations within the village. The Festival represents the wishes and desires of the village to both celebrate their culture and share it with others in the hope that by doing so bonds will be built that lead to a better understanding between all. Kartong Festival has received sponsorship from the following: Plymouth-Banjul Challenge, JFIN money transfers, Gamtel, Africell, African Linx. Thanks also to all private sponsors. |
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Festival Times26th March - 27th March 2010 The Festival normally commences with a traditional parade through the village arriving at the arena for an evening of traditional music and dance. Throughout the event there will be performances at the arena and various venues in and around the village culminating in a closing parade and party on the final evening. A timetable will be posted nearer the time. |
The VenuesThe main programmes will be held in the grounds of St Martins School which is situated right in the centre of the village. The festival will also include performances in the local lodges and villages within easy reach of Kartong as well as events taking place throughout the day in the village itself. |
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AccommodationKartong offers a wealth of accommodation opportunities from camping on the beach to the lodges with en suite facilities. There will also be opportunities to rent rooms in the homes of local village residents or to camp at various locations in and around the village. See accommodation list.
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Food and drinkFood in the Gambia is excellent with a huge variety of freshly caught fish topping the menu. The local dishes are mainly rice based with dishes such as Ben-a-Chin (fish and rice), Domada (peanut sauce based dish) and Yassa (onion sauce) being the favourites. Most of the lodges and restaurants will cater for vegetarians. There will be local food and snacks available throughout the village as well as full menus at the lodges and restaurants. Soft drinks are in plentiful supply and alcoholic drinks are available at the lodges and restaurants brewed by the Gambia's own Banjul Brewery who also brews bottled Export Guinness. Tap water in Kartong is available and is pumped from two sources, a solar powered deep borehole and a wind-pumped well. Both are fine for the local palate but bottled water, which is readily available, is probably better for visitors. |
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Getting thereFrom Europe there are direct flights from most major cities to Banjul International Airport. See list. From the airport to Kartong is about 40-45 minutes drive on new tarmac roads. Taxis can be hired at the airport although most of the lodges in Kartong will provide a complementary pick up service for their own guests. From within the Gambia there is public transport from Serekunda via Brikama or Sukuta to Gunjur and then on to Kartong.
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