In an uplifting weekend of colour, culture and community spirit, Bagshaw Museum in Batley was transformed into a beacon of hope as local residents gathered for a unique programme of events aimed at bringing people together across generations and backgrounds.

The “Celebration of Hope” weekend, hosted by arts organisation Creative Scene, blended the vibrancy of South Asian heritage with the universal language of creativity, shining a light on stories, songs, and traditions that too often remain unheard.

Saturday’s programme opened with ‘Khawateen Time’, translated as ‘Women’s Time’, a women-only afternoon of reflection, performance, and shared experiences. At its core were voices from the local community: women from Milen Care and ESOL classes at Al Hikmah Centre in Batley, who had co-created new work with author Abda Khan. 

Their stories were brought to life through a powerful blend of spoken word, folk song, and music, culminating in a moving performance by Yorkshire’s first South Asian women’s choir, Song Geet.

One Attendee said: “It’s a space where women could be themselves, without judgement. We don’t get that often, especially across different generations.”

Sunday shifted into full family celebration mode, with a joyful Eid-inspired gathering that welcomed the arrival of Spring. Families were treated to walkabout theatre from the Sonia Sabri Company’s Mughal Miniatures, interactive play spaces for children, and a poignant sculpture installation—a hand-crafted Olive Tree by Kirklees artist Helaina Sharpley, adorned with embossed leaves carrying messages of hope from visitors.

Inside the museum, an intricate textile exhibition titled Peace by Piece, made by local women with artist Ranya Abdulateef, offered a quiet, contemplative counterpoint to the festivities outside. The exhibition wove together themes of resilience, peace and shared identity.

As daylight faded, the day came to a spectacular close with a lantern parade led by Cecil Green Arts. More than 80 lanterns, created by local children and families, lit the dusk as they wound through the museum grounds—casting brilliant reflections of community unity and imagination.

“It was truly magical,” said Iqra Rafiq, Assistant Producer at Creative Scene. “Seeing people’s creations come alive in the parade, and knowing they were part of it—it made everything feel connected.”

Food vendors served up authentic street eats, and an open call for communal prayer offered a moment of pause and reflection for many in the crowd.

For Creative Scene, whose work is rooted in the communities of Kirklees, the weekend marked not just an event, but a statement: that art and culture are not luxuries, but essential threads in the social fabric.

Producer Megan Bailey added: “These ideas all started in local communities. We just helped shape them into something everyone could experience. If others out there have ideas too—we want to hear from them.”

As the lanterns dimmed and the final plates were cleared, one thing was clear—hope had not just been celebrated. It had been shared.