A church in Harrow hosted a festival to bring together people of all colours and creeds to celebrate black history and culture.

The Church of St John the Baptist, in Sheepcote Road, held a Black History Month Festival for the first time today.

There was a gospel choir concert, stalls and barbecue serving traditional Caribbean food.

Artis Richards, a member of the church’s missionary committee, was one choral singers and she said the event was held to bring together people from all cultures.

She said: “We live in a wonderfully diverse area and it’s nice to bring people together and have lots of groups mixing.

“These events are important – not just to celebrate black history but also to get people to meet each other and to create a sense of community.”

Another choral concert will be held in the evening, which will be followed by a dramatisation of Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a dream’ speech.

Marion Mackenzie is a member of the church and organised a Fairtrade stall for the event.

She said: “The day has been really fantastic and the flow of people has been steady.

“I have taken more than £90 today and I’m sure I’ll make more before the end of the day.”

Her friend, Teresa Wheildon, was visiting from Portugal and decided to come lend her support on the day.

She said: “Everyone is so lovely and nice. There is a really friendly atmosphere.

“I lived in Harrow for 30 years before moving to Portugal and it’s always been a really lovely place.

“So I’m happy to support events like this.”