Israeli, Arabic, Indian and Spanish folk dances were part of an eclectic evening celebrating Redbridge’s diverse cultures on Saturday.

The Vaani Culture Night was held in Redbridge Central Library, in Clements Road, by Ilford-based charity Vaani, which aims to use art and recreation to help society integrate.

Star guests of the evening included children’s author Sita Brahmachari, Bengali poet Neil Mukherji, Manju Chaudhury, Somalian poet Fatima May Ali and storyteller Jane Grell from the Dominican Republic.

Vaani’s SENSE group, for people with learning disabilities performed a Bollywood number and a service user from Woodbine Place, in Wanstead, did a street dance solo.

The Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Felicity Banks, even got into the groove for some numbers. She said the “wonderful evening” was full of variety.

Vaani managing director Smita Rajesh said “The culture night symbolised unity in diversity.

“It was our honour to see such diverse and inspiring talents on this stage.”

The evening was part of the Redbridge Book and Media Festival 2013.