Thanks to a recent 
successful application to the Milton Keynes Community Foundation Community, Folk 
and Roots band Asha, with help and support from SEFAN, have secured funding to 
develop and deliver a series of family oriented ceilidhs working in partnership 
with some of the most deprived areas in Milton Keynes.
Asha will work in collaboration with Ghanian poet and 
storyteller Yaw Asiyama to develop a new-look, modern-day music, dance and 
story-based event which will encourage families to spend time together, share 
activity and take an active part in this unique 
experience. 
 
Arts Project Manager and musician Jackie Allen says "We 
are delighted that the Milton Keynes Community Foundation have supported this 
exciting project which will enable us to explore and experiment with the 
tradition to develp a 'new style' ceilidh event with a multi-cultural feel which 
we can share with a wide range of audiences in Milton Keynes.  We hope to 
develop something really special which will have wide appeal to the family 
market whilst providing time and space for family learning.  We hope to 
develop this to tour to festivals and venues throughout the 
UK"
Project development will take place in the Autumn of 
2009 
with performances scheduled for late 2009, early 
2010.