International Meal Brings Leeds Communities Together in Celebration of Friendship and Belonging

Leeds Sanctuary, West Yorkshire Citizens and St Luke’s Church Holbeck recently brought people from across LS10 and LS11 together to enjoy an International Meal, celebrating culture and community in the area.

Guests were invited to bring and share dishes representing their cultures, backgrounds and traditions, creating a vibrant feast that reflected the diversity of South Leeds. Alongside food, participants enjoyed facilitated conversations designed to help neighbours get to know one another and build meaningful connections across communities.

The gathering welcomed 175 people from a wide range of backgrounds, demonstrating the power of food to create opportunities for understanding, friendship and belonging. The event was part of Leeds Sanctuary’s City of Neighbours initiative, which seeks to strengthen relationships between people of different cultures, faiths and experiences across the city. Guests at the event said, “It was good to see everyone coming together and celebrating our different cultures and backgrounds”, and “The questions started great conversations”.

Anna Bland, Director of Leeds Sanctuary, said: “The International Meal was a great reminder of the power of food to bring people together and get them talking. I loved seeing people sharing stories and connecting over the fantastic meal. It felt like seeing Leeds at its best.”

“It was lovely to share beautiful food from around the world. This was a memorable event – so grateful to those who brought their national dishes for everyone to enjoy”, said Revd Alistair Kaye from St Luke’s Church.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed food and helped make the event a success. Special thanks also go to the Inner South West Community Committee of Leeds City Council, whose funding support made the event possible.

Leeds Sanctuary’s vision is a city where people flourish, communities are cohesive, and justice shapes the systems that serve us. For more information about the charity, and their City of Neighbours project, visit www.leedssanctuary.org.uk .