Life at CEFC

Catherine is currently looking ahead to their next Barrio Fiesta and wanted to hear about some of the lessons we have learned through organising the Cheshire East Barrio Fiesta.

We were very happy to share our experiences — from the things that have worked well to some of the challenges and practical lessons we have encountered along the way. Every community and every event is different, but we hope that some of the advice we were able to give Catherine will be useful as she and her team develop their plans.

Our meeting took place over a lovely meal at the newly opened Wetherspoons in Crewe. A special thank you to Catherine for very kindly treating us to the meal — it was greatly appreciated.

For CEFC, occasions like this are also about something bigger than organising events. Filipino communities across the UK can learn from one another, share experiences and support each other while continuing to develop their own organisations in ways that work for their local communities.

We wish Catherine and everyone at Coventry Filipino Community UK every success with their next Barrio Fiesta, and we look forward to keeping in touch.

Mabuhay ang Filipino community!

Visit Coventry Filipino Community UK on Facebook ↗

The event takes place on Saturday 28 November 2026 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and attracts thousands of visitors to Crewe town centre each year.

CEFC will use its community stall to meet local residents, introduce people to our work and share more about the Filipino community in Cheshire East.

Visitors will be able to find out about our community activities and cultural events, support and signposting for Filipinos settling in the area, volunteering opportunities and our plans for future activities, including Cheshire East Barrio Fiesta 2027.

Crewe Town Council is providing a limited number of free community stalls to local charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations, helping them showcase their work, raise awareness and connect with local residents and potential volunteers.

We are very pleased to be part of one of Crewe's popular community events and look forward to meeting people throughout the afternoon. If you are in town, come and say hello to CEFC!

Photograph: Christmas in Crewe 2025 celebrations.

Christmas in Crewe – Event Information ↗

On Saturday 12 September 2026, CEFC volunteers came together at Sushi Doki Chester for a relaxed afternoon of appreciation, friendship and good food.

Everyone enjoyed a lovely selection of Japanese food, including sushi, while having the opportunity to relax, catch up and spend time together away from the work of organising events and community activities.

As a small token of CEFC's appreciation, every volunteer received a thank-you gift in recognition of the contribution they make to our community.

Behind every CEFC event and activity are people doing jobs that the public may never see — preparing venues, welcoming guests, helping with activities, supporting events, clearing up afterwards and giving their own time to help things run smoothly.

The gathering gave us an opportunity to celebrate those people and remind them how much their contribution is valued. CEFC's work would not be possible without the friendship, generosity and commitment of our volunteers.

To all our CEFC volunteers — maraming, maraming salamat po. ❤️ Your generosity, friendship and commitment are at the heart of our community.

After another incredible celebration of culture, friendship, music, food and community, we are already looking ahead to our next Fiesta. Once again, everyone will be welcome to join us for a colourful celebration of Filipino culture, heritage and community spirit.

Planning for 2027 is now beginning, with live entertainment, cultural performances, Filipino food, music, dancing, family activities, community stalls and more to be announced over the coming months.

Registrations of interest are now open

We would love to hear from food stallholders, market and retail stallholders, sponsors and business partners, community organisations, exhibitors and vendors who would like to be part of Barrio Fiesta 2027.

Spaces are limited and applications will be considered in the order they are received. Registering your interest does not automatically guarantee a place; Cheshire East Filipino Community will contact applicants regarding the next stage.

View Barrio Fiesta 2027 Register your interest

Save the date, tell your family, tell your friends — and we’ll see you all at our next Fiesta!

We are incredibly excited to officially launch Drum & Lyre Royale UK, a brand-new performance group bringing together music, movement, teamwork and community.

The idea is to create something exciting that people can be part of from the very beginning — whether they already have musical or performance experience or have never picked up an instrument before.

No previous experience is necessary. Training will be provided, and members will have the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, make new friends and experience performing together as part of a team.

Who can join?

Drum & Lyre Royale UK is open to ages 10 and upwards and to all nationalities. We welcome people interested in joining any of our sections, including:

• 🥁 Snare Drum
• 🥁 Bass Drum
• 🥁 Triple Drum
• 🎶 Lyre & Xylophone
• ✨ Cymbals
• 💃 Majorettes
• 🚩 Flag Bearers

Not sure which section is right for you? That's absolutely fine. You can register your interest and discover the different roles during training and orientation.

What will members receive?

Members will receive FREE training and FREE uniform, giving everyone the opportunity to take part regardless of previous experience.

Our aim is to develop a strong, colourful and energetic performance group that can proudly take part in festivals, parades and outdoor gatherings across the UK.

More than simply learning an instrument or routine, we want Drum & Lyre Royale UK to be about friendship, discipline, teamwork, confidence and having fun performing together.

First Practice & Orientation

📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: TBC

The first session will give registered participants the opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the different sections and find out what being part of Drum & Lyre Royale UK will involve.

Registration is now open.

Whether you're interested in drumming, playing lyre or xylophone, becoming a majorette, carrying the colours as a flag bearer or simply want to try something completely new, we'd love to hear from you.

Be there from the beginning. Be part of the team. Be part of something spectacular. 🥁🎶

Register Here

On Saturday, 25 July 2026, Cheshire East Barrio Fiesta returned to Queens Park, Crewe for a full day celebrating Filipino culture and bringing communities together.

From the opening music and cultural performances to the Grand Parade, live bands, singers, dancers and community groups, the park was filled with colour, energy and the warmth of people coming together to celebrate.

The Fiesta was also about much more than the stage. Filipino food, market and community stalls, families meeting friends old and new, and the many conversations happening throughout the park all helped create the atmosphere that made the day so memorable.

We were delighted to welcome civic guests and community representatives alongside visitors from Cheshire East and beyond. Seeing people from different backgrounds enjoying Filipino culture together is at the heart of why CEFC holds Barrio Fiesta.

Behind the celebration were months of preparation and an enormous amount of support. Our heartfelt thanks go to the volunteers, performers, sponsors, traders, partners, community groups and everyone who attended. Every contribution, whether seen on the day or made quietly behind the scenes, helped make Barrio Fiesta 2026 possible.

Our official Cheshire East Barrio Fiesta 2026 film is now available, bringing together highlights from the Grand Parade, performances and some of the many community moments that made the day special.

Relive Barrio Fiesta 2026

Maraming salamat po to everyone who shared the day with us. Barrio Fiesta 2026 will remain a very special chapter in the story of Cheshire East Filipino Community. ❤️