International Meal Celebrates Community and Culture in Leeds

Leeds residents gather to share food and foster connections

Recently, an event bringing together people from across the LS10 and LS11 areas of Leeds celebrated the diversity and community spirit of South Leeds. The International Meal, organised by Leeds Sanctuary in partnership with West Yorkshire Citizens and St Luke’s Church Holbeck, invited participants to share dishes representing their cultural backgrounds and traditions.

Event details and participation

The gathering welcomed approximately 175 attendees from a wide range of backgrounds. Guests contributed food from various cultures, creating a diverse and vibrant feast. Alongside the meal, facilitated conversations were held to encourage neighbours to get to know one another and build meaningful connections across different communities.

Purpose and impact

The event formed part of Leeds Sanctuary’s City of Neighbours initiative, which aims to strengthen relationships between people of different cultures, faiths, and experiences throughout the city. The organisers highlighted the role of food as a means to foster understanding, friendship, and a sense of belonging among participants.

Comments from attendees and organisers

• One guest noted, “It was good to see everyone coming together and celebrating our different cultures and backgrounds.”
• Another participant said, “The questions started great conversations.”
• Anna Bland, Director of Leeds Sanctuary, commented: “The International Meal was a great reminder of the power of food to bring people together and get them talking. I loved seeing people sharing stories and connecting over the fantastic meal. It felt like seeing Leeds at its best.”
• Revd Alistair Kaye from St Luke’s Church added: “It was lovely to share beautiful food from around the world. This was a memorable event – so grateful to those who brought their national dishes for everyone to enjoy.”

Funding and acknowledgements

The event was supported by funding from the Inner South West Community Committee of Leeds City Council. The organisers expressed gratitude to all who attended, contributed food, and helped make the event successful.

About Leeds Sanctuary

Leeds Sanctuary is a charity that envisions a city where people flourish, communities are cohesive, and justice shapes the systems that serve residents. Their City of Neighbours project focuses on fostering cross-cultural relationships and community cohesion across Leeds.

For more information, visit www.leedssanctuary.org.uk.

Source: Doing Good Leeds, International Meal Brings Leeds Communities Together in Celebration of Friendship and Belonging