More than 250 gather for Culture Night celebration in Westport
The event, organised by Westport Family & Community Resource Centre, brought together people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds to share food, music, traditions and stories from around the world.
More than 250 people came together at Sacred Heart School in Westport on Friday, 18 September, for a vibrant celebration of Culture Night, organised by Westport Family & Community Resource Centre (WFCRC).
The event brought together people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, with around 12 cultural tables offering visitors the opportunity to discover food, music, traditions, stories and experiences from around the world.
The evening provided an opportunity for members of the community to share aspects of their own cultures while meeting and learning more about the people who make up Westport’s diverse community.
For the first time, WFCRC was also delighted to welcome the Westport Historical Society, which hosted a table celebrating the history and heritage of the town. Its involvement added a local dimension to the evening, highlighting the history of the place that so many people now call home alongside the cultures represented throughout the community.
More than simply a showcase of different cultures, the event was designed as an opportunity for people to connect. Throughout the evening, the gym at Sacred Heart School was filled with conversation, laughter and music as people shared their experiences and got to know one another.
“Culture Night is such a lovely opportunity to create a space where people can come together simply as neighbours and community members,” said Stephanie, Community Support Worker with Westport FRC.
“We wanted people to be able to share something that is meaningful to them, but also to have the chance to learn about the people around them and make connections. Seeing over 250 people come through the doors and the atmosphere in the room throughout the evening was really wonderful.
“We were also delighted to have the Westport Historical Society involved this year – making sure that the history of the place we call home was represented alongside the many cultures that are now part of our community.”
The event was supported by a team of volunteers and community members who helped organise and host the cultural tables. Sacred Heart School provided the venue, while funding from Mayo County Council helped make the event possible.
For WFCRC, creating opportunities for people to meet, participate and build relationships is an important part of its community development and inclusion work in Westport.
Events such as Culture Night offer a relaxed and welcoming setting for people who may not otherwise meet to connect, while giving everyone the opportunity to contribute something of their own to the wider community.
WFCRC thanked everyone who hosted a table, volunteered, attended and helped make the evening a memorable celebration of the cultures, people and history that make up the Westport community.