A FESTIVAL to celebrate the diverse communities in Crediton and the surrounding area will be held in Crediton Town Square from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 9.
It will include live entertainment, talks, information and advice stalls and much more.
Everyone is invited to attend as the event is family-friendly.
The Festival will include groups from across the wide diverse community, and admission is free-of-charge.
Award-winning local equality, diversity and inclusion campaigner, Alan Quick, who started the first festival and has been involved since, said that this year’s Festival will be the fifth, adding that it aims to showcase the town and area as a welcoming place for all.
Alan said: “There has been a real buzz at our previous festivals.
VIBRANT
“The dancers were spectacular and the musicians proved to be really popular as people chatted and networked. They were vibrant, informative, and exciting events and this year’s festival promises to be the same.”
Alan said that reports of racist incidents and hate crimes in Crediton were the inspiration behind the first Crediton Diversity Festival, which was staged in November 2018.
The second event, held in June 2019, took place after graffiti, including a swastika and anti-Semitic wording, were found on a property off Dean Street.
The 2019 festival funded some diversity educational work at Crediton’s Haywards Primary School and the year before it did the same at Landscore Primary School.
Alan added: “Each individual is unique regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs or other difference.
“By valuing diversity we recognise the differences between people and acknowledge that these differences are a valued asset. “Crediton is a welcoming place for all and there is no place here for racism or hate of any kind.
“We look forward to seeing you on September 9.”
VOLUNTEERS, STALLS AND ENTERTAINERS
Alan said that there are still spaces for stalls and entertainers, adding that applications should be made to: [email protected] .
He also appealed for anyone who could be a volunteer helper on the day to get in touch.
The Festival is being supported by Crediton Town Council, the Crediton Courier, Crediton Youth Club, Crediton Arts Centre and Devon County Council.