Food, football and fun on offer at Ferham Festival

A CELEBRATION of Rotherham’s diversity returned after a three-year break — with councillors saying more such events would help community cohesion.

Singing PCSO Paul Newman was compere as Ferham Festival made its return after a lengthy Covid absence.

The event was a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the area, with music, dance, art, sport and food.

It was organised and funded by Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and Flux Rotherham, with support from RMBC, RotherFed, Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance, Rother Phoenix FC, South Yorkshire Police and Barnardo’s.

And the Ferham Park venue was cleaned beforehand by teenagers taking part in this summer’s National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.

RMBC’s Rotherham West ward members welcomed the return of the festival, saying it showed the diverse community at its best.

Cllr Ben Aveyard said: “Ferham often gets bad press and when we see all sections of the community coming together to enjoy music, sport and food, it shows us the real Ferham and what this community has to offer.”

Cllr Ian Jones added: “It was an amazing day, seeing people from diverse backgrounds getting on well and enjoying their time together is wonderful.

“This is why events such as Ferham Festival are so important, helping to build cohesion in diverse communities and we need more of them.”

And Cllr Eve Rose Keenan said: “It was wonderfully organised and a big thanks to the organisers and all the volunteers who worked hard to make Ferham Festival happen.”