'Colourful and vibrant' (From Bucks Free Press)

'Colourful and vibrant'

1:16pm Friday 21st March 2008 in

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EDEN'S centre director has responded to criticism that a Brazilian samba launch parade was alienating' and disgusting'.

After scantily clad dancers with elaborate headdresses sashayed their way through Eden's streets last Thursday morning to mark its opening, some spectators complained that the opening ceremony wasn't multicultural.

Zahid Jawed, a volunteer speaking for Wycombe Islamic Society, said the "semi-naked dancers" had "alienated significant parts of the com-munity", meaning organisers had wasted an opportunity for community cohesion.

Retired Jacqueline Green, of Deeds Grove, called the parade "totally disgusting" likened it to a nightclub opening. She said: "We have so many cultures in this town, they all could have had a part to play."

Eden's launch event programme continues until April 19, featuring days themed on Latin-America, African Caribbean, Oriental, Asian, European and sporting traditional celebrations.

Daniel Tomkinson, Eden's centre director, said: "We have been delighted by the positive feedback that we have received from many thousands of our visitors. However we regret if any offence was caused during our opening procession.

"Eden's launch entertainment programme was designed to create a colourful, vibrant and energetic carnival atmosphere to mark the opening of Eden and High Wycombe's bright future.

"The five week long period of celebrations have been designed to be non-denominational and celebrate performing arts from all around the world including steel drummers to face painters, Chinese dragons to mime artists."