Taking place between 18 July and 17 August, Sangam Festival is a celebration of South Asian Heritage. Inspired by the national South Asian Heritage Month, the festival brings together a range of communities together through arts, cultural, family and heritage events and activities online and in venues and outdoor spaces across Huddersfield and Kirklees.
The festival kicked off with a launch party in Huddersfield with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin amongst others in attendance.
Sangam Festival shares the SAHM goals of reclaiming the history and identity of British South Asian people and allowing them to tell their own stories, as well as looking back in history to see how Britain became the diverse country it is today.
The word ‘Sangam’ means to come together. The aim of the festival is to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in a spirit of celebration, positivity, and harmony to celebrate the rich and varied history of South Asian people, language, arts, culture, and heritage.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tracy Brabin, said: “I know the power of creativity, I know how it can bring us together, I know what it means for our identity, I know how it can benefit our wellbeing, but also give us opportunities for our youngsters.”
Mayor Brabin went on to say: “A great night and what a fantastic festival it’s going to be. One hundred events across Kirklees and if tonight’s entertainment is anything to go by, it’s going to be amazing!”
The festival includes heritage, arts and cultural events, including talks and trails on the history of textiles and mill workers in Kirklees, workshops exploring family history, art and photography exhibitions, film screenings, dance and music performances from Bollywood brass bands to classical Qawalli inspired by Sufi poetry.
Some events will be delivered in partnership with other local festivals, community organisations and educational facilities. The festival also provides vital new commissions for freelance artists and arts organisers and will help boost the local economy.
Sangam Festival is put on by Communities Together and Radio Sangam, as well as through the support of many local partners. Communities Together run projects that support the local community in Kirklees and events that celebrate South Asian heritage, culture, and language.
A not-for-profit social enterprise, Communities Together has a mission to promote community cohesion, bring people of all backgrounds together and provide advice and support for those experiencing disadvantage, discrimination, or abuse.
Radio Sangam is the only Ofcom-regulated licenced Asian community radio station in Kirklees. Broadcasting 24/7, 365 days a year in Urdu, Punjabi, Sylheti, Arabic, Gujarati and English.
The award-winning station promotes the heritage and culture of South Asia and is a trusted source of information and education.
It is the most followed Asian radio station in the UK and is heard in 52 countries around the globe.
Qaisar Mahmood, CEO of Communities Together and Radio Sangam said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding to support the delivery of Sangam Festival, thanks to National Lottery players, and we’re grateful to the Heritage Fund and Arts Council England for the support.
“It’s going to be a lively showcase of the best of South Asian Culture over a month, with lots to looked forward to and get involved in.”
Why these dates?
18 July – the Indian independence Act 1947 was given royal assent from King George VI
14 August – Independence Day Pakistan
15 August – Independence Day India
17 August – publication of the Radcliffe Line setting out the border between India. West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Kirklees is home to many people of South Asian heritage. Those who came in the 1950s and 1960s found jobs in the textile mills and factories in Huddersfield and the surrounding area.
There were few places to buy Asian food and adjustments had to be made for different living conditions, cultures, and weather. The overall population of Kirklees has risen from 274,200 in 1971 to 437,145 in 2017 and the region has a greater ethnic diversity than the national average.
The events will follow strict Government guidelines, with Covid safety as the number one priority, and some activities will be held online.
To find out what events and activities are going on, you can visit the Sangam Festival calendar here.
