Thousands descend on Leeds park for Unity Day celebrations

Sam Thomas works on his circus skills at the annual Unity Day in Hyde Park, Leeds. Pictures: Tony Johnson.

The event, which is now in its 21st year, is held at Woodhouse Moor and aims to bring the LS6 community together through music, sport, art and performance.

This year the event included live music, poetry, DJs, gymnastics, dance sessions, craft activities and circus skills workshops.

More than 100 volunteers help organise the Unity Day every year.

Alex Goodwin dances at the event in Hyde Park.

Organiser and volunteer Amit Roy said: “There were between 5,000 and 6,000 people there this year.

“Lots of families came early on and throughout the afternoon more people came and it was a great atmosphere in the park.

“We fundraise in the community in the run-up to the event so when people come along to the Unity Day, they know that they have helped contribute to it.”

Mr Roy added: “It’s important for people to come together and feel like they are a part of something.

Four-year-old Ida Barton at the annual Unity Day event.

“As the late MP Jo Cox said, there is more that unites us than divides us.

“Unity Day is about celebrating the community and also our different cultures and backgrounds.

“It’s also a chance to show off the talent that we have in the community, from artists to dancers.”

One of the highlights this year was a huge heart mural, where people were invited to leave handprints with heartfelt messages.

Visitors were also invited to carry out random acts of kindness and share their experiences.

An after party was held at the Old Red Bus Station following the event on July 23.

For more about the Hyde Park Unity Day, visit www.unityday.org.uk, follow @HPUnityDay on Twitter or go to www.facebook.com/hydeparkunityday.