MAYOR INVITES COMMUNITIES TO COME TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION OF UNITY 

Published 9 October 2025 at 3:30pm

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, is inviting people from across the region to a gathering in Sheffield’s Peace Gardens to celebrate what unites South Yorkshire’s communities.  

The event, titled ‘We are South Yorkshire’, will take place on Friday 10 October between 3pm to 4pm. It will bring together people from across South Yorkshire, people of any and all backgrounds, from all faiths and none, to reflect on our shared values, history and future, focusing on the very many things we share in common. 

Joined by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Safiya Saeed, Imam Sheikh Mohammad Ismail DL, Ustadha Ameena Blake (Sheffield University Chaplain), Patsy Cunningham (representative of Seven Hills Reform Shul), Dr Michael Heap (Humanist), Molly Pembleton (Sheffield Hallam University Students Union), the Rt Revd Leah Vasey-Saunders Bishop of Doncaster, Olivier Tsemo (SADACCA) and Fatima Khan Shah (Race Equality Partnership) ; the Mayor will lead an afternoon of speeches and reflections from community leaders, all centred on promoting unity, our shared community and our common purpose.  

It’s a chance to stand together, to recognise all that we have in common, and to show the world that South Yorkshire is a place of compassion, connection and community.  

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “South Yorkshire is a place defined by its strong sense of community, not by hostility or division. We are a place where people share hopes, dreams and ambitions. From our love of sport and music to our passion for the great outdoors, we are united by the things that bring us joy and hope. 

“That’s why I’m inviting everyone across our communities to come together and reflect on all that we have in common. To celebrate our shared values and to stand firm against fear and hate.” 

The event will feature short speeches from a number of speakers, including representatives from faith groups and community organisations. It will conclude with a closing reflection from the Mayor at 4pm.