People flock to Diversity Festival in Barnstaple

Crowds pack The Square for North Devon's fourth Diversity Festival

THE sun was shining on North Devons fourth Diversity Festival at The Square in Barnstaple, today (Saturday, May 17).

The event had a wonderful carnival atmosphere with people of all ages gathering to meet groups from a number of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures and sexuality, as they celebrated their diverse roots.

The festival was run in conjunction with Devon and Cornwall Police, Petroc college, Hikmat Devon and Safer North Devon.

Rapping, dancing, a bhangra band, the chance to taste delicious cuisine was all on offer, as well as the chance to bring together the community.

One of the organisers, Sergeant Lucy Skinner, of Barnstaple police, said the event was a way of promoting and celebrating the diverse community of North Devon.

The festival not only celebrates the ethnic and culturally diverse community in Barnstaple and North Devon, but it is a chance for the older and younger generation of the area to come together too, she said.

There were gazebos dotted around the square, with people on hand to offer advice and support from Devon Carers, Devon and Cornwall Police, Petroc college, Hikmat Devon and the fire service.

Crowds also flocked around The Sahara Project tent, where cooks were on hand to create traditional authentic Asian food.

North Devon and Torridge Come out, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Support Group were at the festival for the first-time this year.

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People flock to Diversity Festival in Barnstaple