A MULTI-cultural event celebrating Somerset's diversity and encouraging integration takes place in Taunton next month.

Groups from international communities will get together to share their diverse cultures through performance, food, arts and activities for all ages.

Taunton Together, running free at the Albemarle Centre on Saturday, September 14, features guest speakers, Somerset High Sheriff Johnnie Halliday and Taunton Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Lees.

The event is sponsored by Positive People, a programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund and Hinkley Point C Community Fund.

Among the groups involved are Avtar Indian Dance Somerset, Ray of Sunshine for a Child, Taunton Polish Association, Philippine International Neighbourhood Association Somerset, British Bangladeshi Association Somerset, Syrian Committee Taunton, Romanian Community, Chinese Community and Somerset Portuguese Association.

Somerset Diverse Communities community engagement worker Michal Puzynski worked to create the event.

He said: "Taunton Together is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and meet wonderful people from around the world who decided to live and work in Somerset.

"One of its goals is to challenge the stereotypes and build community cohesion. Once again, we are going to celebrate the diversity of our region. Everyone is welcome."

An Avtar Indian Dance Somerset representative said: "This is the third year that I have been involved with Taunton Together. Before this I really was not aware of a diversity event in our area.

"The aim of Taunton Together is to celebrate Taunton’s diversity.

"I lived in the Punjab area of India until the age of four, when my parents came to London to work. Work brought me to Somerset ten years ago and I began running inclusive Bollywood and Bhangra dance workshops to keep in touch with my cultural roots and heritage.

"It's been an opportunity to meet new people and further develop relationships in the wider Somerset community.

"It is important to me that people from ethnic minorities have a role in raising awareness about cultural difference in Somerset, as we have knowledge and experience of our culture and skills to deliver a multi-cultural experience.

"Taunton Together brings together many people who have come to the South West from all over the world.

"I feel my knowledge and understanding of integration, different cultures and religions has widened since meeting these groups. It is so important to remember the similarities between people and that we can all learn from each other and support each other."