Hundreds of youngsters unite for Wolverhampton diversity celebration

More than 700 schoolchildren brought the Civic to life as they united to celebrate the city.

The youngsters, who represented 22 schools from across the city, came together for the special Schools Diversity Celebration showcase.

Dubbed One World, One People, One Voice, the 30th anniversary event saw talented young people steal the spotlight with dance, drama and music, watched on by more than 1,000 proud parents.

Chairwoman of the planning group Tish Keech said: "It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the many strengths of the city's education provision and to celebrate the great diversity that makes Wolverhampton so special.

"These are precious memories. When this is over and the children become adults, they are going to look back at this time, and they will look back proud."

Pupils and staff spent the past weeks perfecting their performances before stepping out in front of thousands of visitors to the North Street venue.

Groups took to the stage to flaunt the eclectic mix of cultures, languages, traditions and faiths bubbling together in the city during the evening performances.

Youngsters also came together for a group rendition of Gustav Holst's The World in Union to mark the end of the show.

Mrs Keech, who was head teacher at Windmill Crescent's Castlecroft Primary School for 15 years, said: "There was just under 2,000 people here – that is something very special.

"Children are amazing, they rise to it every single time. I'm a Wulfrunian, I was born in this city, I went to school in this city. These sort of things make me very proud."

The Schools Diversity Celebration was made possible through sponsorship from CPN Systems, AM Griffiths, Concept Education, William Gough, Community Trade Union and the Rotary Club of Tettenhall.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu also stopped by with Mayoress Asha Mattu, as well as director of education Meredith Teasdale.