Star at diversity celebration

11:20pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati dropped in to meet some residents at a unique cultural event in the city last night.

The actress, who played Sunita Alahan in the long-running soap and has appeared in Dinnerladies and EastEnders, came back to Bradford to meet up with some old friends.

She once taught dancing in schools across the city and worked with Balbir Singh, who organised entertainment for the"Unity in Diversity" event, held at Valley Parade .

Shobna, who wore a stunning turquoise and purple contemporary sari-style dress, said: "I think events like this are very important, especially for Bradford.

It is the first time we have seen a celebration and recognition of indigenous delegates like this.

"It is a chance for people to really meet people they see walking down the road, take a look at their heritage and traditional dress."

As for her TV work, she said she was "taking a rest!"

Shobna compered last night's event, which was the first of its kind to be organised by charity QED-UK.

Deputy Chief Executive Adeeba Malik said: "We organised the event to bring different people from different communities and backgrounds together to create a better understanding of different cultures."

Bradford South MP and Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe addressed the diverse representatives from groups including the Polish and Asian communities and the Dominica Association. A football match was beig played today as part of the event.

He said: "I am very pleased diversity and equality are such a major part of my job and I am keen to be part of it.

"I am proud of QED-UK which is trying to bring different groups together and they are leaders in their field.

"Sport is a universal language, football in particular is our national game and gives us the opportunity to play together.

"This is a community built on immigration, Bradford should use this as a strength. There are people living here from all over the world.

It has its social and economic problems, but this is a showpiece evening for that diversity."

Guests were treated to music from Indian classical saxophone player, Jesse Bannister, and Indian drum player, Najam Javed.

Entertainment also included routines from Nachda Sansaar - Punjabi folk dancers, Ukranian dancers , The Krylati Dance Group, The Polish Dancers and Nature Island Group.

Participants also enjoyed food from around the world.

Representatives from Bradford Council, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Bradford & Bingley also attended.