Over 200 local residents gathered in Victoria Hall for a festive celebration of community and culture at Christmas MELA 2024, hosted by Manningham Housing Association (MHA). The event brought together people of all ages, showcasing a variety of activities that reflected the rich diversity of the region.
The Christmas MELA was a vibrant and inclusive event, designed to bring festive cheer and cultural appreciation to Keighley. Attendees were treated to a wide array of entertainment, including a visit from Santa Claus, a festive photo booth, DJ music, henna art, and face painting. Children also enjoyed balloon modelling and the bouncy castle, while adults browsed through a charity clothes stall and tried their luck at the tombola.
The event’s culinary offerings were a highlight, featuring a wide selection of food representing the area’s multicultural community. From traditional festive treats to international dishes, the food stalls allowed visitors to sample an exciting variety of flavours.
MHA was joined by several key partners at the event, including Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Shipley College, Project 6, and Skills House, all of whom set up information stalls to engage with the community and raise awareness of their services.
The feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the inclusive atmosphere, the fun-filled activities, and the delicious food. The event was not only a celebration of Christmas, but also a platform to promote community spirit and showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Keighley.
Lee Bloomfield, MHA’s Chief Executive, expressed gratitude to all who attended, saying: “A big thank you to all the Keighley residents who joined us for Christmas MELA 2024. It was a vibrant celebration of unity, culture, and community spirit for people of all ages. Our MELA Working Group deserves special praise for their dedication in organising this event, and I would like to give a big shoutout to Sayful Alam for leading the team with such passion.”
Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, also commended the success of the event, noting: “It was fantastic to see so many families come together to be part of the celebration. The event also served as a platform for raising awareness about community support services. Christmas MELA 2024 successfully created an inclusive space where people from all walks of life could come together and share in the festive joy.”
The event’s success will help shape future MELA celebrations, with valuable feedback from attendees providing guidance for making future events even more impactful in fostering unity and inclusivity in Bradford and Keighley.
As MHA continues its commitment to community-building and cultural appreciation, the Christmas MELA has proven to be an important fixture in the local calendar, encouraging a spirit of togetherness in the heart of Keighley.