RESIDENTS from more than 45 countries will show off their cultural and national diversity at the first charity parade to be held in Bahrain tomorrow.

The International Costume Parade is being hosted by the American Women's Association (AWA) at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa from 9am and will feature more than 100 women dressed in their national dress.

The event will start with coffee and will be followed by the parade and a group lunch.

The parade will include national flags, costumes, music and languages from all over the world, and is being held to celebrate AWA's diverse membership, said AWA president Tosin Arowojolu.

"The idea was put together by our fashion co-ordinator Adriana Skaloud who has organised other shows in Oman and Nigeria, and we decided to organise one here to celebrate our national diversity, as there are more than 30 different nationalities within the AWA," she said.

While registration to take part in the parade has now closed, the event is open to spectators and organisers hope to attract 200 people to the event.

All proceeds will be donated to the AWA's charity fund, which supports 35 different charities in Bahrain.

Tickets cost BD8 for members and BD15 for non-members, and are available by calling 38884924 or e-mailing info@awabahrain.org.