Beat in the Park (31 July) is a family friendly event in Bellfield Park, Inverness. It stems from a successful event run in the park last year, when a large number of people came to take part in a drum circle. This year traditional art-forms from the three southern continents are represented.

The event brings together 3 community drumming groups Beats Working, FALCON and Karoo, all of which are led by local hand-drum tutor Steve Sharpe of Happyness. Steve specialises in West African rhythms.

People will also have an opportunity to view and learn new skills, in particular poi and capoeira. Poi is the Maori word for a ball on a cord that is swung around the body. Traditionally poi were used by the young males in courtship dances and in training for the warriors, using rocks swung from flax ropes. Today their uses are entirely benign although fire poi retains the element of danger.

Capoeira is a graceful martial art which originates with the communities of escaped slaves in Brazil. With its various facets: fighting style, acrobatics, dance, music and sport, some do find it difficult to define capoeira. One master recently described it as a prayer.

Both Capoeira and poi are growing in popularity throughout the UK and further afield. There are groups of practitioners in the Inverness Area.

In addition to the programme of events and activities,the park has plenty else on offer, including a well maintained paddling pool, putting green, tennis courts, refreshments and ice-cream as well as toilets. There will be some shelter on the day in addition to the attractive bandstand.

Admission to the event is free but contributions are requested for the workshops.

The event which runs from noon to 4pm is promoted by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture & Sport service as part of the summer activities programme. Meanwhile Music in Bellfield Bandstand continues on Sunday afternoons (Crown Church Band 1 Aug, Inverness Fiddlers 15 Aug, Inver Ross Fiddle and Accordion Club 22 Aug, Birl 29 Aug, Crown Church Band 5 Sept).

Further information is available on 01463 724261.