The event, organised by the Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership and the Epping Forest and Brentwood Independent Advisory Group for Essex Police, celebrated this year’s theme of “Honouring Our Communities” through a day of culture, learning, and connection.
The day featured cultural performances, guest speakers, information stalls, health and wellbeing support, arts and crafts activities, and refreshments, creating a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate the values of kindness, dignity, respect and belonging.
A particular highlight was the exhibition of entries for the art and short story and poetry competitions, which invited participants to explore the “Honouring Our Communities” theme. The competitions attracted entries from residents of all ages, showcasing a wide range of artistic talent and personal perspectives. The judging panel included Malaina Joseph-Sobers – a British-Guyanese artist; Gayle Hall – Artist and Creative Director of YouGo Productions; Nadine White – Multi-award-winning Journalist, Filmmaker and Cultural Archivist; and Janice Taylor – Writer, Open Mic Host, Career and Leadership Development Coach.
Competition winners were announced during the event. In the Art Competition, winners included Liberty Amadiegwu (7) for ‘Rooted and Growing’, Elijah Amadiegwu (11) for ‘1.59 Billion People Call Africa Home’, Isabelle Amadiegwu (13) for ‘Crowned in Africa’, and Grace Lawson (15) for ‘Girl with Horse’. For the Short Story/Poetry Competition, winners were Arabella Danquah (8) for her poem ‘We Are All God’s Children’, Tavia Adenyin (11) for ‘An Orchestra of Echoes’, Jadesola Balogun (13) for ‘Hair is a Love Language’, and Regine Audrey Foka Guiong Tcham (16) for ‘Heirs of Melanin’. All entries will be displayed at the Civic Offices in Epping until Friday 27 November.
Cllr Alan Lion, Chairman of Council, expressed gratitude to attendees, participants, volunteers, and supporters, stating that events like this remind us of the strength of our communities and the value of coming together. He congratulated the competition winners.
Lisa Leonce, Chair of the Epping Forest and Brentwood Independent Advisory Group, described the energy and sense of community as inspiring, highlighting the power of coming together to listen, learn, and celebrate diverse experiences, creating meaningful connections with a lasting impact.
