THE organiser of the first multicultural festival of its kind in York has received an award for her achievements.

Shamim Eimaan, director of Eimaan Culture and Community Services CIC, was awarded Best Community Project, sponsored by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, at the annual York Community Pride Awards last Thursday (September 5).

Thousands flocked into the Museum Gardens in Museum Street on September 24 last year for the city’s first Mela Festival, to sample a cultural exchange via an international festival of food, fun and music.

The Mela Festival was attended by thousands and award nominations included warm tributes for Shamim The Mela Festival was attended by thousands and award nominations included warm tributes for Shamim (Image: Newsquest)

Lighting up the York park were Bollywood dancers, Ukrainian singing, costume dancers in the style of China’s Tang dynasty and a performance from York’s then newly-formed East Asian Ensemble.

On receiving her award, Mela Festival organiser Shamim said: “I’m over the moon.

“It’s so great to have a diverse project win such a prestigious award, I can’t believe it.

“The diversity of York was part of the success of the Mela.

“It was phenomenal, the groups that came forward, that numbers that wanted to take part meant we were oversubscribed."

Festivalgoers included then York Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris Cullwick, who said it was wonderful to see so many people from different backgrounds and cultures coming together in such a joyous way.

The event also focussed on a health theme, with lead sponsor NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) organising a series of health-related stands which lined the performance area.

Shamim’s nominations were littered with feedback about the overwhelming success of the event, highlighting that ‘it was amazing, informative and interesting’ and that ‘it was a fab way to get people talking about health’ and Shamim deserved recognition for her contribution to promoting diversity, fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and addressing health disparities.

Shamim added: “All our plans are coming together for the 'Bollywood cruise' this month – we just need more people to buy tickets!”