Cultural Celebrations: What People Say (Testimonials)

Cultural celebrations create opportunities for people from different cultural and faith backgrounds to come together, share traditions and experiences, and build connections across the University and wider community.

Read what students, staff and community partners say about their experiences of these celebrations and the welcoming, inclusive environments they create.

 

“Dialogue Society Reading has greatly valued its partnership with the University of Reading through a number of community-focused events, including two Community Iftars, an Interfaith Gathering and an Eid Celebration. The University team has consistently been approachable, supportive and committed to meaningful engagement between students, staff and the wider community.

Together, we have delivered welcoming events bringing people from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds together. Participants have shared traditions, exchanged perspectives and built new relationships in a warm and inclusive environment.

This partnership demonstrates how universities and community organisations can promote intercultural dialogue, strengthen community cohesion and create lasting connections across Reading. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration.”

Dialogue Society, Reading

 

“It’s so good! The food is awesome and the people are great. I’m enjoying my time in here.”

Postgraduate student, Navruz Celebrations

 

"So many different craft activities. Fantastic food. Amazing value. Very family friendly and relaxed."

 

“This is awesome and so cool! I’m learning so much about people!”

Undergraduate student, Navruz Celebrations

 

"It felt very inclusive. We also enjoyed the music, the food and the general atmosphere. The welcome we received on arrival was also a nice touch with the red envelopes."

 

“It’s really busy, I love it! Everything is really nice and I’m really enjoying today so far.”

Undergraduate student, Navruz Celebrations

 

"This was a very family friendly, interactive, inclusive event. As a single pensioner I felt very welcome... I enjoyed engaging with the range of activities and having a meal."

 

“People seem to think unity means sameness of culture, religion, and pushing everyone to the same point of view… we shouldn’t all have the same point of view. We should have our differences. This diversity brings richness and wealth to our lives. It’s lovely to come here…, together with different cultures, different religions, different communities, to acknowledge breaking the fast of such an important occasion as in the early days of Ramadan.” 

Cllr Jenny Penfold, then Mayor of Bracknell, Community Iftar

 

Hear more from our Students

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