By Yousuf Zubair
A celebratory event was held in Batley, to showcase and further enrich the strong sense of unity, cohesion and respect that resonates throughout the local community. The event was organised jointly between Kirklees Faiths Forum and Kirklees Council, who provided an opportunity for both adults and children to enjoy themselves, whilst pondering upon and talking about all that is great about the healthy and fruitful relationships between each of the unique people that make up our diverse Batley community.
On Sunday 10th August, many people attended the unity event, each of them flourishing their own ‘We Love Batley’ balloon, designed in the colours of Batley’s coat of arms- maroon and gold. The attendees were able to enjoy a wide variety of performances, stalls and activities. Locally written and influenced poetry recitations, face painting, became highlights and everyone’s favourite, quite unsurprisingly, seemed to be the delicious cupcakes on offer.
This event was particularly significant as its primary goal was to counter the hatred, discrimination and fear-mongering imposed upon the towns market square by the EDL the day before.
A collective goal, however, was achieved as a considerable number of the local community participated, with not a feeling of necessity but one of triumph.
Muslims, Christians and those of no faith from toddlers to pensioners turned up to show the solidarity and strength of the community, each of them wielding smiles to display a proud and continued sense of belonging to Batley.
