Community comes together in Lichfield to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with vibrant cultural event

Central Co-op launched its celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from July 18 to August 17, with a colourful and inclusive event at its Support Centre on July 18.

Festivities began with a colourful walk along Queen Street, led by a horse from Victorian Carriages adorned in a South Asian-inspired feathered headdress, accompanied by high-energy drumming from West Midlands group, Beat Asylum. 

Colleagues from Central Co-op’s We Are One network, which champions ethnic and cultural diversity within the workplace, followed in procession, drawing smiles and interest from the public.

The horse, often used in Central Co-op’s funeral services, was chosen to represent the importance of cultural traditions and how they are respected and incorporated into the Society’s services.

Back at the Support Centre, colleagues immersed themselves in South Asian culture, with opportunities to try traditional drumming, receive henna art, relax with Indian massages, and participate in yoga sessions.

In addition to the Lichfield event, Central Co-op stores in Oldbury, Birmingham and Solihull hosted in-store taster sessions for customers and Members, bringing South Asian flavours and traditions directly to the high street, encouraging engagement, understanding and celebration.

Selina Butterfield-Mashoofi, Chief Finance and Technology Officer at Central Co-op and Executive Sponsor of the We Are One inclusion network, said: “We are proud to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our Society. 

"South Asian Heritage Month is a chance to reflect on the vital role these communities play in shaping culture, innovation and everyday life in the UK. 

"This joyful event in Lichfield showed the power of coming together, learning from one another and creating an inclusive workplace and community.”