THE doors of the Broadgreen Community Centre were thrown open on Saturday inviting the town to celebrate Black History Month.

The all-day event, organised by Swindon Black History Group’s chairman Ellen Heavens, saw members of the community from all ethnicities gather in homage to black music, arts and culture.

There were dancers, a fashion show, gospel artists and motivational speeches, as well as talks about promoting equality from Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

The day started with workshops and activities, with a nod to African and Caribbean roots, before ending on a high note with music and awards being handed out.

“I think it is very important to recognise the achievements our forefathers made to pave the way for us,” said Ellen.

“Also black history month is not just about colour, it’s about a community getting together, people learning from the past. It’s about educating people in the community to educate themselves.

“With the awards, it’s also an act of encouragement for people who have done so much for the community. They have worked so hard and we want to acknowledge it.”

Among the award winners was Tika Bahadur Gurung, a member of Swindon Circles and also chairman of the senior citizen group of the Swindon Nepalese Association. He picked up the award on behalf of the Street Watch team which regularly goes out on the streets to give them a spring-clean and collect green waste.

The Harbour Project was another winner for their work aiding refugees and asylum seekers across Swindon.

Meanwhile, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland was honoured too.

“He has done more than well for the community and he’s still doing it,” said Ellen.

“Swindon has changed since he become our MP. He’s not just an MP but a personal friend to everyone.”

President Barack Obama, Bob Marley and Nelson Mandela were among the key figures the group paid tribute to.

And Ellen added: “Next year the event is going to be even bigger.”