A SECOND Crediton Diversity Festival will be held in the town’s Boniface Centre on Saturday, June 15, following the resounding success of the first such festival last year.

"The town of Crediton is a welcoming place for all", was the message conveyed loudly and clearly at last year’s event.

The event was vibrant, celebratory, informative and educational - and plans for the 2019 event promise to be as colourful and exciting as last year’s festival.

This year’s event will be a part of CredFest 2019, the hugely-successful biannual community festival organised by Crediton’s Town Team, which will run from June 1 to 23.

Last year’s event was opened by Devon County Council chairman, Cllr Caroline Chugg and the Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Frank Letch.

Mr Letch said diversity meant acceptance and accepting that people are different.

Mrs Chugg said: "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.

Superintendent Matt Lawler, Devon and Cornwall Police, said that there had been reports of intolerance and hate crime in the area, adding that the police had a zero tolerance attitude to this.

The event organiser, equality and diversity campaigner Alan Quick, urged everyone to celebrate the diversity of Crediton.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride, attended to show his support, as did Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and The High Sheriff of Devon, Mrs Grania Phillips.

Before last year’s festival, Alan 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, including all the stallholders, musicians, singers, those who provided catering and all those who attended.

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 last year were 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.

It is hoped that this year’s festival will be supported by Crediton Town Council and Devon County Council through Cllr Nick Way’s Locality Budget.