THE town of Crediton is a welcoming place for all, was the message conveyed loudly and clearly at Crediton Diversity Festival, held in the town’s Boniface Centre on Saturday, November 10.

At the opening, the Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Frank Letch said diversity meant acceptance and accepting that people are different. He said Crediton was a microcosm of what goes on.

"We have a mass of various languages and we have a group teaching English free-of-charge to people from other countries who come here," he said.

He explained how, having been born without arms, he had not been able to go to the usual school but had gone to a "special" school, he had struggled against prejudice. He asked for more tolerance.

Devon County Council chairman, Cllr Caroline Chugg, from Braunton, said that not many years ago there had been hostile comments because Devon had taken in asylum seeking children but there had been a positive response with the children being welcomed.

"Prejudice and hate is caused by a minority attacking a minority. The aim of today is to ensure that everyone is aware that Crediton is a welcoming place for all," she said.

She added that the majority of people in Devon were welcoming and friendly, although they might not always use the right words, be PC or champions of equality and diversity.

Superintendent Matt Lawler, Devon and Cornwall Police, said that reports of intolerance and hate crime had increased with incidents at Crediton. Some years ago the police had launched a zero tolerance attitude to this, sending a clear message that the community would not tolerate intolerance.

"Today is sending a really clear message about Crediton and Mid Devon and how the community comes together," he said.

Organiser, equality and diversity campaigner Alan Quick thanked everyone urging everyone to celebrate the diversity of Crediton.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who attended and spoke with many at the event, added: “No-one should be subjected to violence or live in fear because of their race, religion, age, sexual orientation or gender.

“Alan should be extremely proud that he delivered such a successful event today with the strong support from across the community sending a clear message that we are proud of our diversity and lashing out at people because they may be somehow different is utterly unacceptable.

“I hope today also demonstrated to anyone who feels victimised that there are both state and charitable organisations there to provide support.”

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, also attended the festival.

She took to “Twitter” after the event and said: “I was bowled over by the amazing first ever Crediton Diversity Festival.

“Beautiful people, beautiful place. Made me want to live there!

“Huge shout out to @thealanquick who is an inspiration behind the scenes and camera. #Devon #Crediton.”

Supt Lawler added on “Twitter”: Amazing atmosphere at Crediton Diversity Festival this morning. Positive messages about tolerance, community and diversity and inclusion…and some very impressive Thai dancing.”

Before the festival, organiser Alan Quick, said: "The aim of the festival is to celebrate the diverse community we live in.

"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."

Afterwards Alan thanked all those involved and contributed in any way, including all the stallholders, musicians, singers, those who provided catering and all those who attended.

He particularly thanked Jack Robson, from Crediton Arts Centre, and Beth Robson, who provided the PA system for the festival.

Alan 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 included information and advice stalls, music, talks, face painting, games and entertainment. Refreshments were available, thanks to The Turning Tides Project.

The Festival included information from across the wide diverse community, including local and regional organisations.

Stalls came from CISCO (Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation), The Turning Tides Project, local churches and faith groups, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Crediton Foodbank, Exeter Respect, Exeter Pride, Exeter Communities Together, X-Plore, Devon Communities Together, Healthwatch Devon, Welcoming Refugees in Crediton, Crediton Community Transport, The Lions Club of Crediton, Crediton Police, Age Concern Crediton, The Road School, Local Heroes, Stop Hate UK, Mid and East Devon Migrant Worker (PCSO Melanie Spiller) and many others.

Admission was free-of-charge and the event was family-friendly.

The High Sheriff of Devon, Mrs Grania Phillips also attended.

The festival was supported by Crediton Town Council and a Devon Crimebeat grant through Devon and Cornwall Police working in partnership with Devon Community Foundation and the High Sheriff of Devon with funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act.

In addition to the festival, the funding will enable some educational work to be completed at Landscore Primary School in Crediton.