Community Spirit Shines at Ella Street Tea Party

In the wake of recent unrest across the UK, the team behind the Ella Street Festival in Hull took a proactive step towards improving community harmony by organising a tea party, ‘Salaam on Ella Street’. This initiative, held in collaboration with representatives from the local mosque on Pearson Park, aimed to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding between diverse community groups.

The event, which took place on a sunny afternoon, saw around 50 residents and community members gather on Ella Street. The Hull Vault, a free-to-hire equipment service for local charities and community groups, played a crucial role by providing essential items such as gazebos, tables, and games. This support helped create an inviting atmosphere for attendees to engage in meaningful conversations and enjoy the festivities.

Bulbul Miah, a representative from the mosque, expressed enthusiasm about the success of the day and is now considering making it an annual event. The hope is to expand future gatherings to Pearson Park, inviting a broader audience to join in the celebration of community unity.

The Hull Vault, managed by the HEY Smile Foundation, continues to be an invaluable resource for local organisations, enabling them to host events that strengthen community bonds without the financial burden of equipment costs. This initiative aligns with Smile’s mission to empower local charities and community groups, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to build a resilient future.

Shaun Blagdon from Ella Street Festival said: “As the community reflects on the positive impact of Salaam on Ella Street, there is a renewed sense of optimism and commitment to inclusivity and understanding and the potential to build on this.

“Thank you to Hull Vault, free to hire equipment makes it easier for us to set up the basic infrastructure for our events. We can’t do it without you.