The Communities Together in Celebration event, hosted in partnership with the Eden Community Association and ISSE (Inspire Support Sports Empower), brought together a diverse range of communities across the Bradford District.
The event, held on Tuesday 26 November, focused on recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions of local individuals and groups, many of whom have enriched the district’s social and cultural landscape.
One of the event’s key aims was to foster cultural exchange, providing an opportunity for different communities to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. With a focus on inclusivity, the celebration encouraged mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among the diverse groups that make up Bradford’s rich cultural fabric.
The event also served as a reminder of the vital role that community members play in shaping a stronger, more inclusive district. It highlighted the power of collaboration in making Bradford a more connected and vibrant place for all.
The success of this event is expected to inspire more community-led initiatives, continuing to build on the positive momentum for a unified Bradford.
“It’s really important that we create a platform to celebrate real grassroots achievements, and we thought the Council Chambers would be a very special setting to host the event,” said Humayun Islam BEM BCAc, Director of ISSE Ltd. “I would like to thank our partner organisation, Eden Community Association, particularly Cllr Ashraf Miah and Cllr Fulzar Ahmed who worked tirelessly to make this event happen.
“I would like to congratulate all the award recipients and thank you to all the dignitaries that attended such as the DL Jill Arnold JP, Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Bev Mullaney, High Sheriff Adeeba Malik CBE and many others.”
Cllr Ashraf Miah, Director of Eden Community Association said, “We at Eden Community Association serve the grassroots community in the Keighley Community and wider. We would like to thank everyone for their support, and we hope we can make this bigger and better next year!
“It was the first of its kind to host an event of this nature in the council chambers and the response we have received has been very positive. Let’s continue to celebrate the amazing work in the Bradford district.”
Awards were presented by Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, Lord Mayor Cllr Bev Mullaney, and Deputy DL Jill Arnold JP. Winners included Ruhel Miah for International Charity Work, Dr Ikram Butt for Sport Campaign against Racism & British Asian Rugby Associations, Paul Megaros and Cllr Chris Hayden for Hope Not Hate Bradford, Media award for Fatima Patel of Asian Standard newspaper, Lifetime Achievement Award for Haji Gulfor Ali and Lifetime Achievement Award for Late Hazrat Maulana Fokhrul Islam Sahib RA. Other winners included:
Community and culture:
- Ali Abed & Naz Khan
- Afghan Mercy Bradford
- Greater Sylhet Community UK (North Region)
Community Football Teams:
- Bradford Kings FC
- Cross Flatts FC
- Sonar Bangla FC
- Sporting Bradford FC
- Sylethi Allstars FC
- Rocky Park FC
- Bradleigh Pioli – Bradford City FC Community Foundation
