A Joyful DilDil Celebration

What a truly beautiful afternoon and evening we shared together.

Our recent DilDil community event brought together young people, partners, and the wider community for a day filled with connection, joy,
learning, and celebration.

The afternoon began with a friendly football match in the sunshine, bringing together DilDil young people, the Bloomsbury team, and friends
from Dost Centre. Football has always been much more than a game for our young people — it is a space for belonging, confidence, friendship, and
joy. Seeing everyone playing together with such energy, laughter, and team spirit was the perfect way to begin the day. 

We were especially honoured to be joined by The Mayor of Camden,

Councillor Eddie Hanson, whose presence, encouragement, and warm support meant a great deal to the young people. His attendance was a powerful reminder that our young people are seen, valued, and very much part of Camden’s community.

The football was followed by an inspiring workshop delivered by Weldsh, an Eritrean Author and Educator, creating space for reflection,
learning, and meaningful conversation.

As the evening unfolded, we gathered around one of the most special parts of Habesha culture – sharing delicious Eritrean and Ethiopian
meal, alongside a traditional coffee ceremony. The rich aroma of fresh coffee and frankincense created a deeply calming and therapeutic
atmosphere – a moment to pause, connect, renew the senses, and simply be together.

And then came the dancing… 

What a joyful celebration of culture, music, and togetherness. The young people were absolutely brilliant – full of confidence, joy, and pride. A
particular highlight was the incredible Guraginya dance – with footwork so fast that some of us quickly accepted we had no chance of keeping up!

It was one of those evenings that reminded us exactly why community matters – bringing together young people, local residents, partners, and
friends in a space filled with warmth, laughter, culture, and belonging.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this such a special day.

Special thanks to Naz Deen, Head of Youth and Sport at Coram’s Fields, for his relentless support, encouragement, and belief in our young
people, and to the Bloomsbury Football coaches for their generosity, encouragement, and positive energy throughout. A very special thank you
as well to our wonderful volunteer who lovingly cooked the delicious meal for the evening. It brought comfort, connection, and a sense of
home, and we are so grateful for the care, time, and generosity that went into preparing it.

Thank you also to all our young people — your joy, resilience, energy,and spirit are what make DilDil so special