Peter Taylor praises Watford Celebration event

Watford Mayor, Peter Taylor, was among those invited to join the annual Watford Celebration at the Multi-Cultural Community Centre on Durban Road West, on May 8.

During the hottest May Day Bank Holiday on record, guests from across the community enjoyed a range of activities and performances from traditional dancing and musicians, to face painting and crafts. 

Other entertainment included clog morris dancing, a tabla recital, traditional Chinese and Tamil dancing, and a stirring violin performance by a six-year-old musician. 

Arjan Singh gave the table recital, while dancers from the Pandav Vidya Shala performing arts centre performed a Kathak routine for the audience, and the Watford African Caribbean Association gave performances also.

Children did painting and origami, or played on a bouncy castle, while a street performer entertained people with trombone music.

Guests could also get free health checks inside the church.

Community members from every faith and background took part in a discussion entitled “What are the main causes of poverty and what is your faith community doing about it?”, followed by guided meditation.

Reverend Geoffrey Calvert, chair of Watford Celebration, then introduced Suzy Harvey, high sheriff of Hertfordshire, who said she was “very impressed” by the work being done by diverse communities in Watford.

Baroness Dorothy Thornhill spoke about the importance of community cohesion praising projects like the Peace Garden in Cassiobury Park.

Mrs Thornhill was presented with a montage of Watford memories, a cake from the Celebration team, and a hand-painted wall hanging from the Chinese community. 

Peter Taylor said of the event: ““I could not ask for a better first speaking engagement as Watford’s newly elected Mayor. Watford is a town rich in diversity. 

“It is really important that our ethnic, faith and charitable groups can come together on days like today to share their heritage and learn about others.”