A FESTIVAL celebrating cultural diversity in Gwent took place over the weekend showcasing a host of dancers, singers, poets and storytellers.

The We Stand Together festival - held at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport - marked the final day of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which ran between October 14-21.

Following the popular football festival in Lliswerry earlier this month, Gwent’s police force and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) again hosted an event spreading messages of inclusivity and acceptance.

Gwent PCC, Jeff Cuthbert, opened the event on Saturday, giving awards to several individuals and organisations.

Acts also performed in the Riverfront foyer throughout the day including Cloud Beat Boxers, dancers and Black History Month-themed speeches.

One presentation, by George Gumisiriza, explored the life of Victorian sporting superstar Arthur Wharton - who is considered to be the first black professional footballer in the world.

The day closed with a play by Reality Theatre - Just a Bit of Banter - exploring the shocking impact of hate crime on various minority groups.

Singer and Voice of the Valleys competition finalist, April Welsh, of Blackwood, took part in the event due to her work with Gwent Police’s Independent Advisory Group.

The transgender woman, who has been a victim of hate crime in the past, said: “It needs to stop and the only way to do it is to band together and put on these sort of events”.

She also explained that hate crime happens in smaller communities where “people are uneducated” and that awareness campaigns can help change perceptions for the better.

Other organisations taking part included gender and sexual diversity specialists, Umbrella Cymru and self advocacy group, Newport People First, who support people with learning difficulties.

Sisters, Carys and Rachel Jones, who attended the event, launched the project ‘Bigger Picture’ last year which aims to support families, young people and ex-offenders to promote inclusivity through arts-based projects.

“It’s great to get the community aware of breaking down barriers and showcasing things that are going on,” said Rachel.

Sister Carys, on the event, added: “It’s positive for Newport really.”

Robert Muza, of the Zimbabwe Newport Volunteering Association, said the group aims to “bridge the gap” between Gwent Police and Black, Minority, Ethnic (BME) communities with sports and arts-based activities. Mr Muza also claimed there has been a rise in hate crime following Brexit and recent Newport terrorism arrests and said it is crucial to “bring people together”.