Cultural Celebrations
Global Study Lounge Affiliated Campus and Community Events
A wide variety of cultural celebrations take place throughout the year across our campuses and within the community. Staff and students from across the University, societies, faith groups, and members of the local communities where our campuses are based collaborate closely on creating events to celebrate, and learn about, the wealth of diversity around us.
Often the Lounge isn't physically large enough to accommodate wider cultural celebrations and events, such as events for Diwali, Navruz, Ramadan, and the Lunar New Year, especially when we want as many people as possible to be able to participate!
These larger celebrations are often hosted at venues such as in the Palmer Building, in the ³Ô¹Ïtv Students' Union building, at Eat at the Square, or within the town and community itself.
Join our '' to hear about campus and community cultural celebrations, activities, and events.
See the videos below showing some of the cultural celebrations that take place on campus and in ³Ô¹Ïtv each year. There is also information on the annual '³Ô¹Ïtv International Festival', ³Ô¹Ïtv's 'Carnival of the World' and the annual 'Heritage Open Days' Festival (known in London as the 'Open House' Festival).
Annual University Chinese New Year Celebrations hosted by staff and students from the Department of Languages and Cultures, International Student Advisory Team, Community Engagement Team and .
Student Navruz Celebrations collaboratively hosted by the , , , and .
Community Diwali Celebrations in ³Ô¹Ïtv hosted by .
Annual ³Ô¹Ïtv University Diwali Ball hosted by students from the and societies.
Annual ³Ô¹Ïtv Diwali Festival hosted by .
University Ramadan Community Iftar held in partnership with .
Find out more about the event on the University's News pages.
³Ô¹Ïtv GLOW Lantern Parade - Held in 2025 as a 'Love and Light' parade for St. Valentine's Day.
Annual Holi 'Festival of Colours' Celebrations hosted by students from the society.
³Ô¹Ïtv International Festival is a season of events held each autumn that celebrate ³Ô¹Ïtv’s diverse communities and action groups. The programme highlights the many internationalist activities, twinning links and solidarity in ³Ô¹Ïtv, and showcases positive examples of people changing the status quo by choosing to live and act to create a better world for all.
Organised by the (RISC), the festival includes Black History Month and One World Week events.
Download the 2024 programme to find out more about the most recent ³Ô¹Ïtv International Festival.
Early each August CultureMix Arts hosts an annual showcase event celebrating diversity with a live stage and the 'Broad Street Parade' of carnival costumes.
The afternoon-long free event takes place in Broad Street ³Ô¹Ïtv and showcases music, dance, and costumes from Africa, Asia, South America, Europe and The Caribbean.
The carnival features a range of local and international artists. 2025 includes Global Grooves, Lord B, RASPO, Harmonie Deja, Max Da Cab Driver, Beatroots, Lost in Paradise Mas Band, Gerry Ranks, Kaago, Jazzrobeat Collective and many more.
Heritage Open Days are free and is an annual festival of the United Kingdom's history and culture. Taking place each September, hundreds of volunteers organize free events and provide access to places usually closed to the public or those that normally charge an entrance fee.
This year's Heritage Open Days are taking place between 13 and 21 September 2025 and the optional theme is 'Architecture'.
Discover buildings from synagogues to stately country houses - events across the country allow you to explore hidden historical buildings and cultural sites. Its a chance to discover hidden local histories, explore secret spaces, learn about historical architecture, and experience community celebrations through walks, talks, and tours.
You can find detailed listings and search for events in your area on the . NB: A similar event takes place during the same period in London called the ''.