For quite some time we have been considering organizing a Thai event here in Paderborn – and now it's decided! In the summer of 2011 we are going to launch the first Thai elephant festival, and the arrangements are already under way.

The event will take place at Kulturwerkstatt Paderborn on June 4th, 2011. The schedule has not been programmed in full detail yet, so now it is a good time to make suggestions. Everyone is invited to get in touch with us and bring in some good ideas for the festival.

On the main stage of Kulturwerkstatt traditional Thai music and dances will be performed, accompanied by interesting talks, and the awarding of the winners of a painting competition we will hold with various schools in Paderborn. And since it is supposed to be an elephant festival, this highly revered national symbol of Thailand will constantly be in focus of the events.

Pader Sport Schule will be demonstrating the art of Thai boxing. In the afternoon, a show intended for children is performed, where the youngest members of the sports club will display their skills, while at the closing of the festival, some real Thai boxing fights will be held.

Apart from those events on the main stage we will present an exhibition of photographs and show movies from and about Thailand. We ask everyone to contribute to the photo exhibition by lending a picture taken in Thailand, or somewhat connected with Thailand. The best pictures will be added to our photo exhibition. All submissions are welcome, you may either send them by mail, or hand them in personally. The pictures are to presented at a uniform size of 30x50cm.

With the elephant festival being a proper Thai event, food and several goods and carvings from Thailand, will be sold as well. Also, the local Thai massage parlours are invited to contribute to the physical and mental relaxation of the audience.

It is yet undecided if there will be further events hosted outside of Kulturwerkstatt. Ideas have been brought up to hold exhibitions of both photographs and paintings at prominent Paderborn places.

We hope that many people are interested, or even inspired by our plans. To our knowledge, there has never been such an event in Paderborn before, and we are confident to meet public interest. We are really looking forward to the event. Once again, if you are interested in contributing to the elephant festival: Everyone is welcome!

Foto: © Sossi23 / PIXELIO