RESIDENTS of a dementia care home in Dorset experienced Filipino culture at a recent event.

The group from Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham ventured to Bournemouth's King's Park to partake in the Filipino Barrio Fiesta.

Here, they enjoyed Asian street food, watched traditional performances and immersed themselves in the customs of the Philippines.

The event, organised by a community of Filipino ex-patriots, is a celebration akin to the neighbourhood parties held in their homeland.

These fiestas have been hosted across the UK this summer, honouring the 126th anniversary of the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.

Fernhill resident, Kiki Tormey said: "It was wonderful, everything was so vivid.

"I felt real energy surrounding me.

"I had a marvellous time."

From left: Dancer Grace Maidment in Filipino costume; Fernhill residents June Welford, Anne Osbourne and Kiki Tormey; and dancer and Fernhill companionship team member Miezy ReynoldsFrom left: Dancer Grace Maidment in Filipino costume; Fernhill residents June Welford, Anne Osbourne and Kiki Tormey; and dancer and Fernhill companionship team member Miezy Reynolds (Image: Colten Care)

The trip was also a chance for Fernhill’s Filipino staff to showcase their culture.

Team member Miezy Reynolds performed a traditional Sinulog dance from her home province of Cebu.

Evie P. Thorburn, a Fernhill team member, said: "It was a joy to enable our residents to appreciate cultural diversity, witness the beautiful costumes of the Filipino community and enjoy the wonderful aromas from the surrounding food stalls."