The Mayor of Guildford's Diversity Show is a triumph
What happened on the night
- Nineteen exceptional performers and groups, from different cultures, took the audience on a rollercoaster journey of emotions.
- The performances showed when people from different backgrounds come together in an environment where they feel valued and heard, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
The Mayor's welcome speech
The Mayor, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, in her welcome speech paid tribute to last year's Mayor, Cllr Masuk Miah, who had the original idea for organising the show:
"This event brings to life Guildford Borough Council's corporate strategy and one of the key priorities within it - for Guildford to become a more inclusive borough. One where we share a vision of a community where everyone belongs and can thrive, and in which we create an environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and heard."
She went on to say:
"I hope this show will be a living testament as to what we can achieve when we celebrate our differences, rather than allow them to divide us, and it will be a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches us all."
Moving performance received standing ovation
A shadow puppet performance, set to original music and song by young asylum seekers, was particularly moving and received a standing ovation. Surrey Arts and Big Leaf Foundation had spent the day working on the project, called Music Connects. The Music Connects project is funded by Youth Music.
This brings young unaccompanied asylum seekers together with the community.
Surrey Arts, Inclusion Manager, Jim Pinchen, said:
"It's been really joyful to work with the young people today, breaking down barriers through the medium of music and art."
Kayte, The Programme Manager at Big Leaf Foundation, added:
"The courage of these young people in sharing their story so honestly and with such craft, was truly rewarded in the compassion, acknowledgement and warmth that was shown to them on the night."
Big Leaf Foundation, charity working with displaced young people, will receive around £4,000 raised by the show.
The Rotary Clubs supporting the evening
- Guildford Wey
- Guildford Chantries
- Guildford Inner Wheel
We are committed to creating an inclusive borough and an environment where everyone has a voice. Sentiments echoed by MC, Nick Wyschna, as he closed the evening, saying: "Let's continue to champion diversity and make a meaningful impact together!"
More comments about the show
Artistic Director, Nishi Joshi-Bhatt, said: "I'm thrilled to be part of something so meaningful. Bringing schoolchildren and professional companies together highlights what we have in common. We share the language of singing, theatre, and dance."
Project Manager, Meeta Joshi said: "I'm incredibly proud to call this community home."
Performances on the night
Thank you to all the acts which participated. Here they are in order of performance:
- Chinese Association of Woking, Lion dance
- Guildford Theatre School
- Samodeitsi Bulgarian Folk Dance Group
- Big Leaf Foundation Shadow Puppets
- Prologue Youth Theatre
- Karl Sonoy
- Guo Yi and Tian Erhu
- Ukrainian Kalyna Choir
- Zenon Ho
- Majella Yorston
- Dance Shakti
- Guildford Shakespeare Company
- Songhamitra Das Sneha
- Paula Kiete
- Vyshyvanka vocal group
- Taxi para Ugnė
- HK Dynamics
- Woking Dance Space
Published on: 8 April 2025