Natasha Vas during a practice with the children’s choir at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Swindon.
LONDON
For over seven years, a Goan group based in Swindon has been striving to give children in the UK a meaningful connection to Goan culture through music, tradition, and community.
V-GOANIZZ has not only hosted carol singing competitions in Swindon but has also been involved in a children’s choir every Saturday evening at St Mary’s Catholic Church, and other sporting, family and fundraising events.
THE PURPOSE
"The name V-GOANIZZ (derived from Nizache Goenkar) reflects our identity as proud Goans. Our mission is simple yet profound: Keep children rooted in Goan culture and traditions, teach the true meaning and joy of festivals and provide meaningful activities that steer children away from antisocial influences,” said Natasha Vas, founder and director of V‑GOANIZZ which is based in Swindon-UK.
Natasha said she hails from Agassaim-Goa, and although she has lived in the UK for the past 22 years, the values and traditions she grew up with remain close to her heart.
“I never formally learned music, yet my childhood was filled with it—decorating the church with the nuns, singing in choirs under the guidance of our priest, learning hymns from my grandmother, and singing alongside my father, Peter Vas, whose voice and love for music shaped my own natural ear,’ she said.
“When my daughter was five, I wanted her to experience the festivals and traditions that defined my upbringing. I first took her to Goa during Lent, showing her the solemnity of Good Friday. Seeing her interest, I hoped to take her again during Christmas to witness the carol singing I cherished so deeply.”
“But a thought struck me: how many times could I take her to Goa, and what about the other children in the UK who might never have the chance to experience these Goan traditions? That was the moment I decided to bring Goa to the UK.”
THE TEAM
From an initial group of 15 volunteers, V‑GOANIZZ now has nine dedicated members, with Natasha and Rocky as the backbone of the group.
“My daughter, Nyla, as well as Savio Gonsalves, Roque Caldeira, Agnelo Estrocio, Anthony Fernandes, Collin Fernandes and Elias Aguiar actively support every event,” said Natasha.
“Despite challenges and commitments, their selfless contributions keep V-GOANIZZ thriving. Our group is now officially registered, and together we continue to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.”
“Balancing my full-time role as compliance manager at M&S with my passion for community work is possible thanks to the support of my husband, Rocky Britto, and my daughter, Nyla, one of our finest singers.”
THE ACTIVITIES
That thought inspired Natasha to start the first Carol Singing Competition in Swindon in 2018, giving children a platform to learn, participate, and understand the true meaning of Christmas.
“With the support of my husband, Rocky Britto, and another friend, Anthony Fernandes (Anton Bab), we combined physical effort, technical skills, and creativity to launch something new. I reached out to families across Swindon, forming carol groups, training singers, arranging musicians, and gathering volunteers,” said Natasha.
On December 22, 2018, V‑GOANIZZ hosted the first carol singing competition at Even Swindon Community Centre.
“A brass band recreated the festive spirit of Goa. As many as 87 children participated in the contest and each child sang three carols, including one compulsory Konkani carol,” said Natasha.
“Gifts were given to every participant, and judges from Southall and Hounslow awarded prizes. The event was a resounding success, with overflowing crowds and heartfelt feedback.”
Natasha Vas along former parish priest Fr Michael McAndrew and the children’s choir at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Swindon.
In 2019, the carol singing competition was hosted at the Polish Community Centre and participation grew to 190 children.
“We added a Christmas dance and introduced raffle tickets to cover costs. A small profit was donated to sponsor a priest at the Pilar Seminary in Goa,” said Natasha.
“We hosted our biggest event at the Punjabi Community Centre in 2020, with 247 children participating in the contest. We expanded with Goan Mando performances, instrumental groups, dramas, and dress-up competitions.”
The event was paused between 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Between 2023 and 2025, we resumed with even greater enthusiasm. On December 21, 2025, we return to the Punjabi Community Centre with an exciting new addition, a Star Competition and performances from groups outside Swindon.”
While the Carol Singing Competition remains its flagship event, V-GOANIZZ also organises the Sports Day in August to encourage children’s physical activity, Father’s Day in June to celebrate family bonds, and Fundraising Events, which included the fundraiser for St Mary’s Primary Catholic School.
“All our events are free of charge, supported by raffles and the generosity of volunteers,” acknowledged Natasha.
“Alongside this, I started a children’s choir every Saturday evening at St Mary’s Catholic Church, where I train them weekly, including Konkani hymns, to keep our heritage alive and to ensure our youth remain connected to faith and music. Recently, we organised a Konkani choir for the Feast of St Francis Xavier.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Natasha said V-GOANIZZ continues to grow, with collaborations with group leaders across Swindon to ensure children from every area can participate.
“Our future goal is to expand our events, nurture more leaders, and reach children beyond Swindon—so every child has the chance to celebrate, learn, and carry forward the richness of Goan culture.
“V-GOANIZZ is more than an organisation; it is a movement to preserve culture, faith, and community spirit. We look forward to continued support from families, friends, and well-wishers as we nurture our children with the traditions that shaped us. We want to bring the spirit of Goa to the UK, for our children and generations to come,” she added.
