From Bethlehem with love - Palestinian Christian dance troupe begins UK tour

Baqoun - a troupe of 16 talented young Palestinian Christian dancers are coming from Bethlehem to perform in England this week, under the sponsorship of the Anglican Diocese of West Yorkshire and The Dales.

During their 12-day visit, Baqoun will be bringing a taste of Bethlehem and the Holy Land to churches and schools. They will be leading workshops and cultural evenings which aim to spread understanding of the challenges facing Christians in Palestine and the Middle East while offering a series of exciting celebration events which will include energetic dance and drama, food, culture and conversation.

The ambitious itinerary from 16-27 June includes performances and cultural evenings at venues including Wakefield and Bradford Cathedrals, Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales, together with churches in Leeds, Harrogate, Beverley and London as well as church schools.

Area Bishop of Wakefield, Rt Revd Tony Robinson commented: "The situation for Christians in Bethlehem is very hard. Their numbers have decreased substantially in the past few years. This trip will be an opportunity for us to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine and show that we care about them and the difficult situation which they live with everyday."

Leader of the planning group, Canon Gordon Dey, said the aim is: "to offer events celebrating the vibrant riches of Palestinian Christian culture, food and life at which the young people can tell their stories, and entertain us with their energetic and colourful dance."

For more information, performance dates, pictures and videos of Baquoun in action, and details of how to support their tour go to: www.baqoun.org

Their itinerary is also in ICN Listings.