Zulf Ahmed, CEO of KYP, welcomed the guests and finalists. Zulf said “Rochdale continues to strive to be an exemplar for Equality and Diversity. In this challenging global climate that is fuelled by fear, with xenophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia rearing their ugly heads around every corner, Diversity and Equality is more important now than it has ever been. Those that preach fear and hatred would like us to cower and bury our heads in the sand. These awards have been designed to bring hope where there is fear, recognising those champions within our community, champions of diversity and equality from all walks of life, from organisations large and small that refuse to give up on our community”. Zulf congratulated all the finalists and winners on their achievement and good work.
Entertainment was provided by pupils from Falinge Park High School and Jacqui Farasowskyie who performed their charity single “Children of Syria”. The host for the evening was Abdullah Afzal who plays Amjad in BBC 1’s comedy “Citizen Khan”.