Live performances, inspirational speeches and international cuisine brought hundreds of the region’s businesses and charity representatives together as East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities returned for 2026.
Now in its 6th year, the landmark event, which celebrates the people, businesses and charities that make up the East Midlands, took place at Athena Leicester on 24th April and was delivered with headline partners De Montfort University, emh Group, RandalSun Capital and Business2Business.
Supporting the event were associate partners Nelsons, PPL PRS, Assured Energy, Barclays, Sanjay Foods and event partner Sanjib 8.
Hosted by Leicester multi-artist in literature, performing arts and digital media Carol Leeming MBE D Univ FRSA, performances took place from Xtreme Carnival Band; Singing for the Soul, which delivers inclusive performance sessions for adults with learning disabilities; Moving Together – a not-for-profit community dance organisation that works across the East Midlands to make dance inclusive for people of all ages; singer Navin Kundra and DJ The Old Boy.
East Midlands Chamber President Dr Cham Kang addressed guests as the event opened in a speech that celebrated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as the ‘region’s superpower’ and ‘competitive advantage’. Speaking afterwards he said: “Supporting and celebrating our communities and culture is critical. EDI is our region’s superpower and gives us a competitive advantage. The more we can do to nurture that, the better we can look forward to positive growth in the future.
“When people think about this region, they think about cultural diversity – we’re known across the world for that. That makes the region stand out and allows us to do things that other regions can’t because we approach challenges, problems in a different way. We have a different thought process, we bring inclusive thinking and we use hidden powers to give us a competitive advantage to go forward.
“The themes most important to my heart as East Midlands Chamber President are united communities, being stronger together and enabling ambition. By that I mean communities – whether business communities, social communities or charitable organisations – all coming together, supporting each other, lifting each other, collaborating, shouting about each other so we all grow together and enjoy success together. That enables ambition because we are stronger together.”
RandalSun Capital Founder & Chairman Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL said: “One of our biggest strengths in the East Midlands is cultural diversity – it’s in the population we have and the businesses we have so I’m really proud of the Celebration of Culture and Communities. I was one of its first supporters when it started several years ago.
“This event is for celebration – business comes together and community comes together from all over the East Midlands. We know when business comes together, communities come together and I congratulate East Midlands Chamber for the work they do in delivering this event.
“People can be proud of the different backgrounds we have in the East Midlands, whether from disadvantaged backgrounds, different countries or the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. All these people come together in one place, sharing ideas, sharing opportunities. That’s something we need to do more. I don’t understand trying to export to Brasil and China when we’ve got people next door to us that we don’t even know. These events bring people together. A lot of people will have made friends tonight and will hopefully then start working together.”
emh Group Chief Executive Charley Gibbons said: “emh is proud to continue its support as a headline sponsor of the celebration of culture and communities. This is part of our wider commitment to promote diversity and inclusion, one of our core values at emh.
“The diversity of the East Midlands gives it a unique identity and a strong foundation, supporting the growth of the region. Our latest joint research with the Chamber Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the East Midlands demonstrates that this is something many businesses in the region value – we’ve seen an increase in the number of organisations adopting EDI policies. It also highlights potential barriers and provides an opportunity to explore how we can support each other and share good practice, to make even more of a difference.
“This event was a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of diverse communities, heritage and achievements”.
De Montfort University Principal Partnerships Officer Sarah Thomson said: “At De Montfort University we’re proud to be part of one of the UK’s first truly ‘super diverse’ cities. That diversity is part of who were are and is reflected in a student community drawn from across the world.
“That’s why we have been a proud supporter of this celebration with East Midlands Chamber for several years. The strength of our region lies in the breadth of perspectives and experiences within it. Bringing businesses and communities together in this way not only celebrates that diversity but helps turn it into real opportunity for the East Midlands.”
Business2Business Director Veejay Patel MBE said: “The East Midlands is a beacon to the world when it comes to cultural diversity. As we mark our 40-year anniversary, throughout which Business2Business has been centred on tackling social exclusion, being socially responsible and applying our expertise to overcoming barriers to employment, it is right to reflect on all that has been achieved so far in promoting inclusivity across the region.
“The Celebration of Culture and Communities is a key event in the calendar that Business2Business is proud to support, as through recognition and the championing of cultural diversity, we help unite communities and raise the profile of the East Midlands as a fantastic place to live and to work.“
Photos courtesy Pete Martin Photography
