This year will see the coming together of Manchester’s leading chefs cooking alongside refugees, with live entertainment from comedian and actor John Thomson, in aid of human rights charity, Freedom from Torture
The evening will feature some of Manchester’s finest chefs cooking a first-class menu of gourmet street food live, including Great British Menu’s Mary Ellen McTague , Caroline Martins from the Sau Paulo Project, Sampa and Rio Mex, The Little Sri Lankan, Ngwafu Tansie from gwafuvegan, and Maravilha, a chef and survivor of torture who will be cooking delicious Congolese food.
Maravilha, torture survivor and participating chef, said: “When I first came here as a refugee it was hard and I struggled to cope. But with the support of Freedom from Torture I learnt strategies that have really helped me, and now I’m training to be a teaching assistant. I cook every day for my family, and I love cooking the food from my home.”
Caroline Martins from Sao Paulo Project, SAMPA and Rio Mex, said: “I am immensely proud to be a part of this event alongside such a talented group of local chefs. We’re aiming to create a dining experience that will go beyond the plate, by raising awareness and money to help continue the incredibly important work conducted by Freedom from Torture. It’s an honour to spread the word of such a vital cause, by sending a message of hope and solidarity to survivors of torture and playing a small part in their journey towards healing and recovery.”
Ngwafu Tansie, chef and founder of gwafuegan, said: “My name is Ngwafu, founder of gwafuvegan, we specialise in cooking and delivering affordable vegan West African food. We ensure to only use high-quality, sustainable produce that is locally sourced. By doing this we showcase new and exciting flavours to our ever-growing diverse community. We are taking part in Great Street Feast Manchester with Freedom from Torture because I would love to share joy through food to those who have lost so much and bring back a sense of warmth through food.”
The Little Sri Lankan said: “An organization like Freedom from Torture is very important to us, because many Sri Lankan Citizens were displaced across the world due to the civil war. During the war many Sri Lankans were able to seek asylum in the UK and were to settle and fall in love with their new home.”
John Thomson, actor and comedian, said: “I am proud to be supporting Freedom from Torture and to be taking part in their first Great Street Feast in Manchester, to raise funds for the vital services they provide. These are a lifeline for survivors, helping them rebuild their lives after suffering unimaginable abuse. Never has this work been more important than today when refugee rights are increasingly under threat in the UK and across the western world.”
Sonya Sceats, Chief Executive at Freedom from Torture, said: “I’m delighted that The Great Street Feast will be coming to Manchester this year, and I’m especially excited that one of our former clients will be showcasing their culinary skills at the event. An evening celebrating the flavours of food cultures from around the world is the perfect way to celebrate the huge contribution that refugees have and continue to make to our society.”
The Great Street Feast Manchester 2023
Date: Thursday 23 November 2023
Venue: No 1 Circle Square, 3 Symphony Park, Manchester, M1 7FS
Ticket cost: £40pp
Link to purchase: https://manchesterfeast.freedomfromtorture.org/home_pag
