Andover’s cultural diversity celebrated through town centre event
The Chantry Centre in Andover was transformed last weekend (22 February 2025) as the Cultural Sharing Forum showcased and celebrated the town’s diverse population.
The aim of the event, organised the Cultural Sharing Forum and supported by Andover Vision, was to highlight and celebrate the diversity in Andover and give residents the opportunity to learn about the different cultures and traditions of people working and living in the town.
Lots of activities took place including henna tattoos, lantern making, the opportunity to try on Sari’s, music and plenty of food to try, with members of the public coming along to get involved.
A Community Connections wall was also set up at the event, which gave people a chance to share their skills, recipes and services with other people from across Andover.
Councillor Iris Andersen, who attended the event, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet many members of our special community. It’s so important we learn from people with diverse backgrounds who live in Andover. Speaking to so many different people was special and proved why these kinds of events are so important. The Cultural Sharing Forum is a brilliant group in the town and hope there are more of these events to come.”
The Cultural Sharing Forum first came together at the start of 2022.
After conversions with different community leaders across Andover during the pandemic, a group made up of residents from the town’s diverse communities was formed.
They now meet once a month, with anyone welcome to join their meetings to share and discuss ways to celebrate and promote cultural diversity in Andover.
For more information visit the Andover Cultural Sharing Forum Facebook group or email csf@testvalley.gov.uk.