On a sunny Saturday afternoon of September 24th 2005, the Festival of Cultures and Faiths called Celebration welcomed people from all the various communities in Watford. The atmosphere was of real joy, openness and friendship, breaking down the barriers of cultures and faiths, ignorance and prejudices. Chinese sat together with Hindus. Muslim watched Spanish dancing. White Europeans admired African fashion show.

The idea of “Celebration” was initiated when Judith Bruni (from Watford Interfaith Association) Françoise Murphy (from the Bridge of Peace WFWP) and Sharifa Chaudry (from the Watford Muslim Women Organisation) went to visit Richard Chewter the Town Centre Chaplain to talk about interfaith and the Bridge of Peace bringing Christian and Muslim women together.

During that meeting we realised that not having the Rainbow Festival this year was creating a need for some event that could bring the various faiths and communities of Watford together. When organisations around the town heard about the project “Celebration” they became inspired and wanted to join in.

With a spirit of co-operation and giving: Muslim, Chinese, Spanish, Christian and other groups sat together and planned the event. Each meeting saw more and more organisations joining in. (a total of 20 in the end). We wanted the event to be free and welcoming to all. With the help of Richard we received a sponsorship from the Harlequin Centre. On the day, the Multi Racial Community Centre was decorated with drapes and colourful balloons and flowers; stalls of more than 12 organisations were standing against the walls. and people were sitting in the middle watching the activities on the stage. Richard Chewter opened the afternoon by an introductory speech and the performances started: dances from the Chinese, Spanish, Gujerati children, Hare Krishna…. colourful Nigerian fashion show…. traditional English folk songs, reggae, Greek basooki… a Christian play… a prayer from an American Indian… At the same time, the vestry of St Michael and All Angels, the church next door was used as a sacred space where people from various faiths could explain about their beliefs; lead a meditation or prayer. There you could take part in a Bahai meditation, learn about the Brahma Kumaris, the Unificationists …listen to a talk from a Muslim, a Mormon….and participate in a Christian worship…

If you felt a bit hungry, you could visit the third building: the Littlebury Hall and find a line of tables loaded with the most delicious and exotic food offered by the various communities of Watford and organised by the Watford Chinese Association. The ladies of St Michael were ready to offer you drink of all sorts. You could then sit outside and eat and chat with your friends.

We concluded the afternoon by inviting everyone to participate in a Bridge of Peace Ceremony across faiths, races and nationalities. First the women lined up on both side and met in the middle joining with their new Peace sisters then the men followed doing the same. Sharifa Chaudry concluded the afternoon by emphasizing how good it is for all of us to come together overcoming our differences and finding out that we are all part of the same human family.

There was an atmosphere of openness and friendship. It was a real celebration of the various faiths and cultures of the town. Some Councillors presents commented: We have to do it again next year, in a bigger place, “the Colosseum”…. and we need more publicity next time…

The chaplain and the main committee of the Celebration event were all amazed how the event went so well and smoothly without any problems.