Carlisle Unity Festival returned to the city on Saturday, bringing together local organisations, artists, volunteers and residents for a day dedicated to inclusion, equality, diversity, wellbeing and community connection, writes Chris Jones.
The free annual event, which first launched in 2016, was held at Tullie.
Organisers said the festival aimed to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, learn from one another and celebrate the rich diversity of Carlisle and Cumbria.
Brian Miles, a volunteer with Anti-Racist Cumbria, said the organisation was using the event to promote its message of inclusion.
He said: “Our goal is to make Cumbria the UK’s first anti-racist county, so we’re here today to speak up against racism.
This year’s festival featured community groups and organisations, including Anti-Racist Cumbria, Carlidoscope, Carlisle Haiku Poetry, Carlisle One World Centre, Cumbria Clothing Collective, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Dance Ahead CIC, Leaves of Dhaka Project, Multicultural Cumbria, PiNC, SpeakEasy, Sustainable Carlisle, The Decent Human Being Club and the University of Cumbria. The event was supported by Cumberland Council.
Henry Goodwin, part of the Unity Festival organising committee as well as Sustainable Carlisle and Carlisle Refugee Action Group, said the festival continued to provide an important platform for local organisations and residents to connect.
Visitors were able to explore information stalls, take part in activities and meet representatives from local groups working to improve community life across the county.
Live entertainment was provided throughout the day by pop-up musicians including Henry, Jude Davison, Katus Young and Stephen Dunn, helping to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
