Hartshill International celebrated Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural diversity
The North Staffordshire Medical Institute welcomed the local community for Hartshill International, a vibrant family event celebrating the many cultures, nationalities and languages represented across Stoke-on-Trent.
Organised by Hartshill and Harpfields Occasions (HAHO), the event brought together people from across the area to share food, music, costumes, flags and traditions from around the world.
Held at the Institute’s Hartshill Road premises on Saturday 5 May, the event reflected the remarkable diversity of Hartshill, where more than 50 nationalities and a wide range of languages were represented within the local community.
Celebrating cultures from around the world
Visitors enjoyed a varied programme of activities throughout the day, including live music, singing and dancing, craft demonstrations and information stalls.
Food from different parts of the world gave visitors another opportunity to experience the cultures represented locally, while international displays, flags and activities helped create a colourful and welcoming atmosphere.
Families were also able to enjoy games and activities for children, alongside stalls offering maps, jigsaws, language guides and Traidcraft gifts and homewares.
Refreshments were provided by Bentley’s Catering.
The event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Ross Irving.
Bringing the Hartshill community together
HAHO Chair Joe Andrew highlighted Hartshill’s position as one of the most diverse areas of Stoke-on-Trent.
The presence of staff connected with the nearby hospital and university was among the factors contributing to the area’s international population, creating a community in which dozens of languages were spoken.
Hartshill International provided an opportunity to celebrate that diversity while encouraging residents to learn more about their neighbours, cultures and traditions.
At the time, the event had reached its fifth year, demonstrating its growing place within the local community calendar.
Supporting community cohesion and inclusion
Hartshill and Harpfields Occasions was established in 2010 with the aim of promoting community cohesion and inclusion.
Alongside Hartshill International, the organisation developed a busy programme of activities throughout the year, including seasonal quizzes, a Christmas fair and an annual lecture.
Many of these activities were hosted at the North Staffordshire Medical Institute, helping the building serve not only the medical and research community but also residents and organisations from across Hartshill and the wider city.
HAHO was also a valued supporter of the Institute’s charitable work, which included providing grants for medical research in North Staffordshire.
A welcoming venue for the local community
Hartshill International demonstrated the important role the Institute’s facilities could play as a meeting place for the wider community.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds for a day of food, entertainment and shared experiences, the event celebrated the diversity that forms an important part of life in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Wade Charitable Foundation remains proud of the Conference Centre’s longstanding role in providing a welcoming space for community organisations, educational events and activities that bring people together.