Our Community Builder, Chiquitta, visited the fifth InHarmony Multicultural Festival, which took place along Hamlet Court Road on 24 May — and, as many people have already said, it really did feel like the best one yet.

With an estimated 4,500 people filling the streets, the festival was a fantastic celebration of community, culture and connection. Visitors enjoyed an incredible mix of entertainment, from Brazilian and African drummers to traditional British bands and choirs, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.

Local restaurants and food vendors brought flavours from around the world to the streets, giving festival-goers the chance to enjoy food from Thailand, Greece, India, the Caribbean, China and East Asia. Many people made the most of the sunshine, exploring the stalls, enjoying bubble tea from local shops and sampling dishes from across different cultures.

What made the festival so special was the way it captured and celebrated Southend’s diversity. It was a true showcase of different communities coming together, sharing what makes them unique, and celebrating the richness that culture brings to Hamlet Court Road and the wider city.

With such a large and engaged audience, the event also provided a brilliant opportunity for local charities and organisations to raise awareness of their work, speak to residents and build new community connections. It also brought real benefits to the area, supporting small businesses, encouraging market stall involvement and making great use of local transport links.

Once again, the InHarmony Festival proved to be a fantastic event that brought people together and highlighted the vibrant, diverse community that makes Hamlet Court Road such a special place.