MUSIC and fun in the sun, plus interesting advice and informative stalls kept people entertained at the fourth Crediton Diversity Festival, which was held on the town square on Saturday, July 9.

Attending was the Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Ian Hall and Mrs Hall, who enjoyed visiting all the stalls, talking to many people and listening to the music. Afterwards they said they were pleased to have supported the event.  Mr Hall said: “Many thanks Crediton.  So many inspirational people and community groups, diversity, inclusivity, equality, mental health.

“Thank you all for all your tireless work to benefit all of us within our wonderful County of Devon as well as Crediton.”

Mr Hall opened the event at a ceremony also attended by the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking and Crediton County Councillor Frank Letch.

On the CISCO stand (Crediton International Social Cultural Organisation), one of the founders, Natalia Letch, was explaining how part of its work was to support giving free English lessons in Crediton.

Crediton Methodist Church Minister, the Rev Alison Richardson, led Indian Dancing as Avtar was unable to attend.

Members of The Turning Tides Project were among the performers, the music arranged by Crediton Arts Centre.

Offering slices of traditional cakes were members of Welcoming Refugees in Crediton, founded more than 25 years ago. They were giving away slices of Fouk that included pine nuts and turmeric and Barazek which included pistachios and sesame seeds.

Rachel Avery, Crediton town clerk said the town promoted and encouraged diversity in our community.

Crediton Town Council had a stall and other stalls were provided by Crediton Methodist Church, Crediton Parish Church, Exeter Pride, Inclusive Exeter, Welcoming Refugees in Crediton, Mid Devon Mobility, We Support Ukraine, Crediton Youth Club, Exeter City Football Club, Crediton Lions, Ice Pops, Crediton Courier, Morrisons, Crediton Arts Centre and Devon County Council Covid Vaccination.

Festival sponsors were Devon County Council, Crediton Town Council, Morrisons, Crediton Courier and Crediton Arts Centre.

Organiser Alan Quick, thanked everyone who attended and helped, particularly Simon Kitchen, Scott Baker, Julie Farrell, Jack Robson and members of Crediton Youth Club who were a great support.

He said that there was a very friendly atmosphere at the Festival and also thanked Crediton Town Council for raising the Progressive Pride flag on the town’s flagpole for the week before it took place.

In addition, here is a report of the event by Nell Eastman, Hayden Grindle, Evan Kelly and Louise Waldron (Crediton Youth Club Intern Group members).

Rainbows but no rain at the Crediton Diversity Festival

CREDITON’S Fourth Diversity Festival took place on a scorching hot Saturday (July 9).

More than 15 different organisations attended the festival, promoting diversity, inclusion and equality.

The festival was opened by Chair of Devon County Council, Cllr Ian Hall, who was honoured to be there and whose focus for the next 12 months is promoting Diversity, Inclusion and Equality across Devon.

The Diversity Festival was attended by many organisations including the Methodist Church which announced it would be performing marriage ceremonies for gay couples soon.

The Church’s announcement was crucial due to it being the first local church to do so, marking Crediton’s path in diversity, solidarity and acceptance further onwards.

Also there were other organisations like CISCO, Welcoming Refugees in Crediton and Exeter Pride.

Members of the Crediton community really enjoyed attending the event and learning about a wide range of community groups.

The well-attended festival was the second after the Covid pandemic, marking a return to normal for Crediton.

The festival’s importance is to show solidarity with communities like LGBTQIA+ and ethnic minorities.

Solidarity is important in a small rural Mid Devon town like Crediton, as members of minority groups can often feel isolated because of the small size of their community.

Showing solidarity with all of Crediton’s residents can make Crediton into a frontrunner of diversity in Devon.