15th June
Ancient House Museum, Thetford, Norfolk.
The launch of the Sophia Duleep Singh Exhibition at Ancient House Museum took place in the morning. The building was owned by the Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, son of Maharajah Duleep Singh who donated it to the town of Thetford. The museum is hosting a pop-up exhibition on the life and importance of the Sophia Duleep Singh and the Suffragette movement. A video of the history of her life as well as other objects of the Sikh empire is on display. The exhibition is supplemented with the Sikh Museum Initiative 3d touchscreen monitor showcasing the jewelry of the Princess. The exhibition was launched by Oliver Bone (Curator)-Ancient House Museum together with various dignitaries from Norfolk.
A little later the launch to the festival took place at the famous Thomas Paine Hotel. Hosted beautifully by the author Seema Anand. The event started with the Dhol playing by the Dhol Enforcement Agency (Leicester), who later explained the history of Punjabi instruments. There was a speech by Liz Truss (MP) for South West Norfolk. The excellent performance by Grethe Jensen who dressed as Sophia gave an excellent speech of life of Sophia Duleep Singh. There was a great buffet laid out for the visitors.
This all led to the exciting interview with Sathnam Sanghera on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre at Thetford Library. A great follow up to the documentary shown on Channel 4. The Q and A was led by Peter Bance.
The initiative is created by Essex Cultural Diversity Project
Link to the rest of the festival events which runs until 3rd August 2019. https://essexcdp.com/event/festival-of-norfolk-punjab/
