Leeds University Celebrates Diversity with World Unite Festival

Over 35 events showcased culture and community on campus

Leeds University recently hosted the Winter World Unite Festival, a series of events aimed at celebrating the diverse and inclusive nature of the campus community. The festival featured more than 35 activities designed to engage students and staff in cultural exchange, learning, and entertainment.

Festival highlights and activities

The festival began with the Global Cafe, a weekly event held every Monday evening throughout term time. The Global Cafe serves as a regular gathering space for students to share cultural experiences and connect with others in the university community.

Additional activities during the festival included:

• Language taster sessions, such as an introduction to Greek
• Bracelet making workshops
• Speed friending events to encourage social interaction
• Tea tasting sessions
• Cultural dance classes, including swing and salsa dancing
• Art workshops and film screenings
• Provision of free food at various events

Dance sessions, particularly swing and salsa, attracted significant interest and were offered free of charge to participants.

Culmination in Show of Unity

The festival concluded with the Show of Unity, an evening event featuring performances from eight different student societies. These included groups specialising in musical theatre, K-Pop dance, and Chinese folk dance. The event ended with a longer performance by the Stage@Leeds society, highlighting the talents and cultural diversity within the student body.

Interactive elements and community engagement

As part of the festival, an interactive music wall was set up in the Leeds University Union foyer, inviting attendees to share songs that remind them of home. These contributions were compiled into a playlist accessible to the university community, fostering a shared cultural experience.

The organisers encouraged participants to provide feedback on their festival experience to help shape future events.

Overall, the Winter World Unite Festival provided a platform for cultural expression and community building, reflecting the diverse makeup of Leeds University’s student population.