A local church is holding a series of free events promising ‘food and fun’ throughout August to celebrate the regeneration of Kelham Island.
City Life International Church, in Shalesmoor, is just yards from the former industrial area which has been transformed into a vibrant city quarter.
The group has seen the area change from a run-down red light district into one of the UK’s most desirable places to live.
And they want to mark the success with their Festival of Life – featuring music from rap duo Post Collide, Yorkshire International entrepreneur Tony Hodges, and dishes from local restaurants. They will also via local dignitaries and celebrities be presenting awards, to local businesses, students, young people and community leaders and families.
Assistant Pastor Anthony Nicholson, who is organizing the events, said the evenings will celebrate the regeneration of Kelham Island and be a chance to find inspiration and meet new people.
He added: ‘Under the leadership of Rev Dr Jim Master for the past nine years we have had an increase in church congregation numbers, we’ve had multiple programmes, and the surrounding area has flourished and seen tremendous growth. We’ve also been a part of the local community here for more than 30 years and seen the changes that have taken place. We want to give something back.
‘We want to celebrate the area, its people, the diversity, the businesses and everything that makes it a great place to live.
‘We’ve been here throughout the good times and the bad, always helping the city’s people, and we’ll continue to do that.’
The Festival of Life starts with a family night on August 6th with music from City Life band & Kelham Island Bands at The City Life International Church from 7pm.
Entrepreneur Tony Hodges, boss of multinational AHC, will then give talks revealing some of the secrets behind his business on August 20th.
He founded his firm, based in Wakefield, in 1996 giving financial advice to companies and now employs more than 75 people in the UK, U.S. and Australia.
Tony’s most recent project, City Visions, was launched in 2015. It looks at ways to encourage ministry and spirituality in a cutting edge corporate workplace.
Sheffield rap duo Post Collide – who have featured on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra – will perform a gig for youngsters on August 27th, followed by a show during the University’s fresher’s week on September 24th.
On each evening, samples of the best dishes from local restaurants will be available throughout the evening, with promotional offers and discounts.
There will also be honors’ handed out to people have done community work.
Terry Eckersley, an Entrepreneur & Associate Minister at the church who is also involved in the events, said: ‘Not so long ago Kelham Island seemed to have little prospects, it was a mess and suffering from the decline of Sheffield’s industry. That seeming mess is now a huge message.
‘But it has always had a proud heritage. The Brooklyn Bridge was built here, plus most of the steel that powered the industrial revolution.
‘The regeneration is a story of hope. We want to celebrate the amazing transformation that has taken place letting people around Sheffield know that we are a big part of the community and always be here for them.’
Kelham Island has been regenerated with a museum, pubs, accommodation and shops over the last decade and was included in the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live in the UK’ guide.
For more information contact festivaloflife@citylifecc.com or 0114 2728243.
ENDS