Published: 18 September 2025
From: Community
Crawley Borough Council hosted a celebration of the unity and diversity of Crawley’s community at its UNITY: Crawley Together event last Saturday in Memorial Gardens. Residents enjoyed live music, entertainment and stalls from the many different communities that make Crawley unique.
The event was introduced by the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah, followed by speeches from Councillor Michael Jones (Leader of Crawley Borough Council), Councillor Yasmin Khan (Cabinet member for Public Protection), Councillor Duncan Crow (Leader of the opposition) and Crawley’s MP Peter Lamb.
Community leaders also spoke at the event including representatives from communities that make up Crawley as well as Deputy Youth Mayor, Harini Senthil.
Entertainment throughout the day saw cultures come alive through the power of traditional music and dance with performances from Niruththiyalayam School of Dance, Songbirds Choir, Tamil Learning Centre Crawley dance group, Limitless Chagos, Ukrainian soloist Sofia, Chagossian Voices, DMT school musical theatre group, AudioActive ‘Go for it tribe’ and Crawley Community Youth Service.
It was a huge pleasure to speak at the council’s second unity event, remembering what brings us together and how differences can be our strength. It was a very successful day of music, song and dance from so many parts of our community in Crawley and it shows how much we care here in the town. Thank you to everyone who participated and came along on the day.
Councillor Michael Jones
Leader
Crawley Borough Council
Diversity allows us to experience different perspectives and beliefs, enriching our lives. Today, together, we make a promise; we won’t let anyone succeed in dividing us. Our unity and diversity are our beauty and strength.
Councillor Yasmin Khan
Cabinet member for Public Protection
Crawley Borough Council
Thank you to the performers and speakers from many different parts of our community in Crawley who made this a memorable event. Seeing them all being welcomed by everyone, was a good reminder that there is so much more that unites us all in Crawley than divides us. Whatever may happen nationally or internationally, Crawley will always be stronger as a town if we stay united.
Duncan Crow
Leader of the Opposition
This year’s UNITY: Crawley Together event was a real celebration of what makes Crawley special. We heard some really moving speeches from political leaders, faith leaders and community representatives, and were able to enjoy so many talented performances from local community organisations.
Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah
Mayor
Crawley
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