A vibrant celebration of music, dance and entertainment was on offer at the weekend, when more than 1,000 people gathered in a sunny Downshire Estate in Downpatrick to enjoy the rich diversity of our local community.
The Diversity Celebration Day, which was organised in partnership by the South Eastern Trust, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) brought together local residents, Trust staff and their families for a day of fun and cross-cultural understanding.
Everyone wase treated to a showcase by Kathryn Stewart’s School of Highland Dance, a session from Irish Traditional music group, Clann Uí hUiginn, Indian dancers and circus performers. Much to the delight of the children, Spiderman, Wolverine and the iconic Minions also made appearances.
South Eastern Trust, Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter said she was delighted to see so many families enjoying the celebrations, “It was fantastic to see more than 1,000 people come together to celebrate the diversity of our community. This event has shown just how much we can achieve when we work together and create opportunities for people to meet, share experiences and learn from one another.
“Thank you to all of our partners, staff, volunteers, performers and members of the local community who helped make the day such a positive and memorable occasion.”
South Eastern Trust, Co-Chair of the Multi-Cultural Forum, Specialty Doctor, Dr Jeenat Khan commented that it was really a pleasure to be part of the celebrations. “It was wonderful to see colleagues from across the Trust come together with their families and senior Trust Leaders and to see the wider community enjoying the day.
“For me, what made the day particularly special was seeing people from so many different backgrounds simply come together, talk and enjoy time with their families. That sense of inclusion and belonging is at the heart of what our Multi-Cultural Forum hopes to promote.
“On behalf of the Forum, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the day such a success including the Downshire Estate, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, CDRCN, our performers, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes.
“Days like this remind us that when we come together, our differences do not divide us, they make our Trust and our community stronger.”
Chair of Downpatrick District Electoral Area Forum (DEA) Council, Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, stated, “This cultural diversity programme brings agencies together to provide a free event for the local community. It is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that enrich our community, share experiences and promote greater understanding and inclusion.”
Area Manager at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Claire Crainey, said: “The Housing Executive was delighted to support this event through our Community Cohesion Funding Programme, which helps bring people together, build positive relationships and promote good community relations. It was wonderful to see so many people from different backgrounds and cultures coming together in a spirit of friendship, inclusion and mutual respect.”