The launch at M19 bar on Stockport Road was attended by Inspiral Carpets singer/songwriter Tom Hingley, Beijing Olympics boxer Joe Murray and his brother, John - the English lightweight champion.
The festival was officially opened by Gorton MP Sir Gerald Kaufman.
Organisers promise a two-week extravaganza with 160 art, community, dance, music and sports events featuring more than 500 performers to `bring the suburb to life'.
Launch-night entertainment was provided by Manchester School of Samba, who have performed on ITV's Britain's Got Talent, the Keegan Kennedy School of Irish Dancing, world champion tin whistle player Mairead Hussey from Irish group Shake The Barley, and Levenshulme band Syd Bozko, winner of this year's XFM radio's unsigned band award.
Festival chairman Tony Hennigan said: "This festival is looking to be our best."
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kailash, Stalybridge (28/10/2008 at 07:55)
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VERY HAPPY DIWALI
AND
A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Regardless of the mythological explanation one prefers, what the festival of lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple - and some not so simple - joys of life.Diwali, the festival of light, signifies the triumph of righteousness and victory of good over evil within every human being. May this year's festive season bring peace, prosperity, happiness in the lives of all ,prosperity and harmony in all the communities. Diwali was an important occasion for promoting brotherhood and fellow feeling among all sections of the people.