Diversity festival is victim of cuts

Scrapped . . . performances such as the one by Russian Serguei Pachnine in 2009 will be a thing of the past

Axe falls after losing entire £80,000 grant
OLDHAM’S pioneering Festival of Diversity has been scrapped after falling victim to cutbacks.

The celebration has been a staple in the town for seven years, aiming to champion the town’s diverse communities and provide new opportunities for locals.

However, organisers have announced that projects would be coming to an end following the withdrawal of their entire £80,000 Area Based Grant.

Allocated by the Oldham Partnership, it paid for members of staff and running costs.

Organiser Richard Hall said: “I have been struck by the enormous impact the festival has had in developing both arts provision and community cohesion within Oldham.

“It was clear from the moment that the organisation’s grant was withdrawn that it was going to be extremely difficult, especially in the current economic climate, to keep the festival going.

“Although people expressed their support, nobody was prepared to come on board.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to develop its work and programme over the last seven years.”

Annual celebrations have seen events spread across the borough, but such get-togethers will now be a thing of the past.

The festival’s website will be made into an archive to celebrate the last seven years of projects, while organisers are keen to motivate thousands of local volunteers to continue their work in the town.

Richard said: “Oldham can be very proud of the Festival of Diversity and its achievements.

“I hope very much that its spirit is kept alive by organisations that it has worked with coming together to carry on its work and vision.”

Projects such as the successful young reporters scheme saw teens learn the tricks of the trade of journalism and helped them develop their writing skills.

One of the latest projects included working with the Birmingham-based Ulfah Arts to create multi-faith choir in the town.