The Mayor of Guildford’s Diversity Show is a triumph

An audience of nearly 200 people attended The Mayor of Guildford’s celebration of inclusion and diversity on Saturday night (5 April). The Diversity Show, held at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, highlighted the richness of cultures, talents and voices in our community.

Nineteen exceptional performers and groups, from different cultures, took the audience on a rollercoaster journey of emotions. The performances showed when people from different backgrounds come together in an environment where they feel valued and heard, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, in her welcome speech paid tribute to last year’s Mayor, Cllr Masuk Miah, who had the original idea for organising the show:

“This event brings to life Guildford Borough Council’s corporate strategy and one of the key priorities within it – for Guildford to become a more inclusive borough. One where we share a vision of a community where everyone belongs and can thrive, and in which we create an environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and heard.

She went on to say:
“I hope this show will be a living testament as to what we can achieve when we celebrate our differences, rather than allow them to divide us, and it will be a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches us all.”

A shadow puppet performance, set to original music and song by young asylum seekers, was particularly moving and received a standing ovation. Surrey Arts and Big Leaf Foundation had spent the day working on the project, called Music Connects. This brings young unaccompanied asylum seekers together with the community.

Surrey Arts, Inclusion Manager, Jim Pinchen, said: “It’s been really joyful to work with the young people today, breaking down barriers through the medium of music and art.”

Kayte, The Programme Manager at Big Leaf Foundation, added: “The courage of these young people in sharing their story so honestly and with such craft, was truly rewarded in the compassion, acknowledgement and warmth that was shown to them on the night.”

Big Leaf Foundation will receive around £4,000 raised by the show.

The evening was supported by The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries and Guildford Inner Wheel.

Guildford Borough Council is committed to creating an inclusive borough and an environment where everyone has a voice. Sentiments echoed by MC, Nick Wyschna, as he closed the evening, saying: “Let’s continue to champion diversity and make a meaningful impact together!”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

More comments from the Diversity Show Committee

Artistic Director, Nishi Joshi-Bhatt, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of something so meaningful. Bringing schoolchildren and professional companies together highlights what we have in common. We share the language of singing, theatre, and dance.”

Project Manager, Meeta Joshi said: “I’m incredibly proud to call this community home.”

Big Leaf Foundation

Big Leaf Foundation is an award-winning charity working with displaced young people aged 15-25 in Surrey. Its aim is to provide a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events that focus on combating social isolation and improving wellbeing for the young people they support. https://www.bigleaffoundation.org.uk/

The Music Connects project is funded by Youth Music.

Photos supplied

In order of performance photos available to download at: https://www.grantpritchard.co.uk/GBC-Mayors-Diversity-selects/n-2Q76VJ

Chinese Association of Woking, Lion dance: 018, 024 and 026
MC, Nick Wyschna: 039
Guildford Theatre School: 051
Samodeitsi Bulgarian Folk Dance Group: 088, 111 and 119
Big Leaf Foundation Shadow Puppets: 124 and 125
Prologue Youth Theatre: 171
Karl Sonoy: 174
Guo Yi and Tian Erhu: 184,185 and 188
Ukrainian Kalyna Choir: 238
Zenon Ho, Pianist: 241
Majella Yorston: 289
Dance Shakti: 258
Guildford Shakespeare Company: 303 and 306
Songhamitra Das Sneha: 337
Paula Kiete, singer: 356
Vyshyvanka vocal group: 365 and 373
Taxi para Ugnė: 382
HK Dynamnics: 416
Woking Dance Space: 442

Other photos

284 Left to right: Marilyn Scott MBE DL, The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, The High Sheriff of Surrey, Mr Peter Cluff and President Michael Ramcharan, Rotary Club of Guildford Wey.
286 Members of Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries and The Inner Wheel

Other photos are available on request.

Registered Charities: Rotary No. 1201415 and Big Leaf Foundation No. 1181180

Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk

The Mayor of Guildford’s Diversity Show is a triumph