'This is more than just us, this is for everyone' A new festival is being held in the city this Bank Holiday weekend The Liverpool Lankans Alliance was founded by a group of eight friends — all of whom share a connection to Liverpool Hope University, either as former students or through their spouses. The founding members are: Ushan Wewalwala, Yasnaka Samaradiwakara, Thisal Jayawardana, Robin Kandaiah, Manoj Chamindlal, Roshan Pussewela, Indika Gamage and Kapila Salwathura (Image: Roshan Pussewela ) A festival celebrating all things Sri Lankan is taking over Liverpool this weekend. The Sri Lankan New Year — Aluth Avurudu in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil — is one of the country’s most cherished cultural celebrations. The city’s community will honour it at the Pavilion (MPSSA) social club on Riverside Drive on Sunday, May 4, with a host of activities, including traditional music and found music and all-around “pure festive vibes.” ‌ The New Year period marks the sun's transition from Meena Rashiya (Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (Aries), signifying the start of the new astrological year. Rituals, from lighting the hearth to exchanging gifts, are based on auspicious times determined by astrologers. ‌ Historically rooted in agriculture, it coincides with the end of the harvest season and the start of the new sowing cycle—a time for gratitude, rest, and renewal in farming communities. It is a season of balance, equality, and fresh starts, not just in agriculture but in relationships, family life, and community bonds. According to Roshan Pussewela, the city’s Sri Lankan community is “small but very active” and made up of families, students, professionals, and long-time residents. The Liverpool Lankans Alliance was founded by a group of eight friends — all of whom share a connection to Liverpool Hope University, either as former students or through their spouses. The founding members are: Ushan Wewalwala, Yasnaka Samaradiwakara, Thisal Jayawardana, Robin Kandaiah, Manoj Chamindlal, Roshan Pussewela, Indika Gamage and Kapila Salwathura (Image: Roshan Pussewela ) Article continues below The dad hopes the day’s celebrations, put on by the Liverpool Lankans Alliance team, will preserve cultural identity, especially for younger generations growing up in the UK, and share those traditions with the wider community. The 58-year-old moved to the city from Kandy, a large city in central Sri Lanka, to be with his wife, Ruchira, who was studying at Hope University. The IT assistance designer told the ECHO: “There’s a growing desire among us to both preserve our roots and to open our culture to our friends, neighbours, and the broader Merseyside community. ‌ “Despite its size, the community is rich in cultural pride, mutual support, and strong values of hospitality. This event is really close to our hearts. “It’s not just about celebrating the Sri Lankan New Year, but also about bringing people together, building community, and sharing our culture with the wider Liverpool public. We’re proud that it’s a free, family-friendly event made possible by the support of local Sri Lankan businesses and volunteers. Article continues below “For us, it’s also about creating a space where second-generation Sri Lankans can connect with their heritage, while also welcoming people from all backgrounds to experience something joyful and different.” Customs on the day include playing traditional games (kotta pora, kana mutti), dressing in vibrant national attire, preparing special dishes like kiribath, kokis, and aluwa, and selecting the “Avurudu Kumari” (New Year Princess). Roshan added: “This is more than a Sri Lankan festival — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and togetherness. Whether you're Sri Lankan or not, if you love food, fun, and good company, this festival is for you.”