Botanics to offer a taste of Colombia

Published on 10/08/2012 12:00

A COLOURFUL Colombian festival is set to get under way at the Botanics this weekend.

The festival of music, talks, food and free activities will take place at the John Hope Gateway visitor centre tomorrow and Sunday.

Festival Colombiano events will range from music and dance workshops, to jewellery making, magic statues and weaving. There will also be a Colombian menu on offer at the Gateway restaurant.

The festival has been organised to raise awareness of the range of ecosystems in 
Colombia.

Tropical botanist Dr James Richardson, who will give a presentation on challenges facing the country, said: “Colombia has an estimated 28,000 species of plants.

“The Botanics helps document the biodiversity of Colombia, determining how it evolved and providing information that will assist with the determination of conservation strategies.”