Service to celebrate diversity
Released: 19 October 2007
People of all ages and faiths from across Wolverhampton will come together at a special annual multi-faith celebration in the city.
The Celebration Service, based on the theme ‘Our Shrinking World Bringing Us Together’, will be held at the Civic Hall, in North Street, on Thursday 1 November from 6.30pm.
The service, which celebrates the diversity of cultures, languages, faiths and traditions in the city, will include presentations by children and young people from 22 different schools. Pupils of all faiths and backgrounds will share a variety of presentations through dance, drama and music.
This year, once again, it is anticipated that many children, parents, communities and guests will attend the special service.
Sally Element, Co-ordinator of the Planning Group and Head teacher of Trinity Church of England Primary School, said: “The service gives the children and young people of Wolverhampton a wonderful opportunity to share their achievements and to showcase the diverse, broad and creative education they have been receiving in their schools, which prepares them for adult life.
“Our children and young people are encouraged to recognise and embrace difference and distinctiveness and to welcome and celebrate diversity.
“The city of Wolverhampton is an excellent ambassador for multi-culturalism and diversity. It is a city where well over 65 different languages are spoken and a wide variety of religions and cultures practised, and where people, irrespective of their ethnic, racial or religious origins are made to feel welcome, valued and important.
“I cannot think of a better way to demonstrate what a wonderful city Wolverhampton is, how diversity is celebrated and community cohesion achieved here in this city than by our children and young people showing us the way.
“It is certain to be an exciting and most enjoyable occasion - everyone is welcome to come along.”
Councillor Christine Irvine, Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “The service is an annual event which has gone from strength-to-strength during the 20-plus years it has been taking place in the city.
“Again this year, many people have put a lot of hard work into organising the service and it will all be worth it to see the children celebrating the diversity here in this city.”
Wolverhampton Mayor, Councillor Trudy Bowen, and her Consort, Paul Kalinauckas, will be guests at this year’s event.
Sally Element; Iris Turner; Dave Arnold; Tish Keech; Simon Arnold; Pete Prescott; David Woodyer and Harun Rashid have played a major role in organising the service as its planning committee.
Further information about the service is available from Sally Element on 01902 558410 from Monday 27 October.
Issued by the press office.