THE usually annual Crediton Diversity Festival, which celebrates the town and areas diverse communities, will return next month as an outdoor event.

It will be held in Crediton’s Town Square from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 31 and will include music, talks, face painting and information and advice stalls.

The event is family friendly and admission is free-of-charge.

This year the Festival is being supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Crediton Town Council and Devon County Council as well as Crediton Morrisons and Crediton Tesco.

Crediton Arts Centre is involved in the musical side and providing the PA system for the Festival.

The Turning Tides Project, which does so many good things around the town, will be providing musical entertainment alongside a number of other acts and performers.

The Turning Tides Project will also be assisting in ensuring the event is Covid-compliant.

Reports of racist incidents and hate crimes in Crediton were the inspiration behind the first Crediton Diversity Festival in November 2018.

The second event, held in June 2019, took place following graffiti, including a swastika and anti-Semitic wording was found on a property off Dean Street.

The 2019 festival funded some diversity educational work at Crediton’s Hayward’s Primary School and the year before it did the same at Landscore Primary School.

The Festival on July 31 will be the third held in Crediton.

The Festival is organised by local equality, diversity and inclusion campaigner, Alan Quick.

He explained that the aim of the festival is to celebrate the diverse community we live in.

He continued: “Each individual is unique and Crediton is a welcoming place for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs or other difference.

"Valuing diversity recognises differences between people and acknowledges that these differences are a valued asset."

He added: “There was a real buzz at the event and it was busy throughout the day. The dancers were spectacular and the musicians proved to be really popular as people chatted and networked.

“I am happy that the community really pulled together to ensure everyone knows Crediton is a welcoming place for all.”

The Festival will be officially opened by Devon County Councillor, Cllr Frank Letch and the Deputy Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Joyce Harris.

CISCO, Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation, will be playing an active role at the event, alongside many other organisations and groups.

Stall applications and further details are available from Alan on 07979 753571 or email: [email protected] .

Alan concluded: “The 2019 festival was vibrant, celebratory, informative, educational, colourful and exciting and this year’s promises to be the same.

“Remember, Crediton is a welcoming place for all and there is no place for racism or hate of any kind.”