Sanctuary Housing provided information on financial and housing services and discussed resident engagement and community initiatives. Police officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team brought along one of their police dogs and talked with residents about crime prevention. Representatives from the Fire Service were also on hand to give advice on safety in the home.

Director of Sanctuary London Sharon Standell said: “The Winter Festival shows how people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy and learn about each other’s cultures. Sanctuary whole-heartedly supports this event, as it echoes our commitment to diversity in our communities.”

There were also employment workshops, games, arts and crafts and children’s activities. Workers from the local healthy living centre, A Moveable Feast, carried out massages, cooking demonstrations and tested residents’ fitness on an exercise bike.

The festival brought together people of all ages from different ethnic and religious backgrounds in song, dance and drama. Various organisations, including performing arts group DreamArts, Ghanaian dancers Gbefaloiuk and multi-national music and dance outfit Illusion Flamenca, displayed their skills. There were also performances from soulful singer Tope, choir City Voices and Bengali, Indian and hip-hop artists.

Over 600 people attended including Mark Field, MP for Cities of London and Westminster and Sir Simon Milton, Leader of Westminster Council.

8th December 2006