As one of the most diverse secondary schools in Bath, St Gregory’s Catholic College was thrilled to host its recent four-day festival celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within their school community.
The school’s Sixth Form Leadership Team was instrumental in the planning and organisation of the festival, following in the footsteps of its sixth form predecessors who introduced the festival in 2022.
To launch the celebrations, the school welcomed a Kathakali dance performance group to educate and entertain students in this 300-year-old South Indian tradition. The performers captivated students with their powerful drama combining elaborate make-up, costume and Hindu story telling.
The theme of this year’s festival was Coming Together in Hope and allowed students to celebrate and share their cultural diversities.
The end of festival was marked with a vibrant cultural dress day, where students and staff were encouraged to wear attire that represented their heritage or national identity. Alongside this colourful display, a cultural food market offered a delicious array of global cuisines. Throughout the week, the school welcomed special guests including a Caribbean Steel Band and a Zangi African musician who provided students with immersive experiences of different cultural traditions.
Headteacher, Melissa George, praised the students’ creativity and pride in celebrating their heritage. “At St Gregory’s, we’re home to students and staff from over sixty countries and we see this diversity as one of our greatest strengths,” she said.
“As a Lasallian associate school, respect and inclusivity are core principles and this event encouraged all to live these values and come together as a community to learn and grow.
“This festival was more than just an event for us – it was a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is not just accepted, but actively celebrated. We were particularly proud that the proceeds from the food market supported Bath Welcomes Refugees, a charity very close to our hearts.”
Organising the event, Lay Chaplain, Matt Robinson, added, “We wanted the voice and history of all our students and staff to be represented. We firmly believe that embracing our differences enriches the educational experience for everyone and prepares our students for a global future. This festival was just one way we brought that belief to life.”