Call for city events to 'celebrate diversity'

Sheffield Council leader Tom Hunt called for a programme of events and activities for 2026

A programme of events to celebrate diversity and strengthen communities should be developed for Sheffield in 2026, the city's council leader has said.

Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said he wanted to promote inclusivity as he warned of the dangers of racism in a motion to be debated at a meeting on Wednesday.

In 2007 Sheffield became the UK's first City of Sanctuary and as the council approached the 20th anniversary of the recognition, Hunt said civic leaders and institutions had a responsibility to speak out against racism.

Hunt said residents had a "proud history of welcoming people from around the world to live, settle, put down roots and grow our city".

The number of hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales rose for the first time in three years, including increases in race and religiously motivated offences, according to Home Office figures released in October.

Hunt said: "This council should defend free speech as a cherished British value, but to state clearly that inciting hatred or violence is criminal, not expression."

He said the council should "reaffirm its commitment to ensuring Sheffield remains a welcoming and inclusive city".

This should include the development of a programme of events and activities for 2026 that "bring people together and strengthen cohesion".

He said: "Sheffield has a proud history of welcoming people from around the world to live, settle, put down roots and grow our city - from steelworkers to teachers, doctors and nurses, entrepreneurs, artists and sportspeople - all Sheffielders who have made us who we are today, an inclusive, tolerant, diverse city."

Councillor Nabeela Mowlana, the authority's migrant champion, will ask councillors to support the motion at the meeting.

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