Live music ranging from Britain’s Got Talent soprano Faryl Smith to international Bollywood act Karan Pangali will feature at 2025’s East Midlands Chamber Celebration of Culture and Communities on 4th April.
Taking place at Athena Leicester, 500 attending businesses and charity representatives based in the East Midlands can expect performances crossing classical, hip hop and grime, with inspirational talks from business leaders and networking opportunities, alongside an Indian dinner.
The 2025 East Midlands Celebration of Culture and Communities is hosted in conjunction with events and marketing company Sanjib8, and supported by headline partners RandalSun Capital, emh Group and De Montfort University. Sanjay Foods, PPL PRS and Nelsons Law are associate partners.
Soprano Faryl Smith, discovered on Britain’s Got Talent and described by Simon Cowell as ‘the most talented youngster I’ve ever heard’ will be joined by hip hop artists Sly and Estar, Leicestershire singer-songwriter Jake Thompson and Bollywood performer Karan Pangali, with further names likely to be added.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The East Midlands leads the way on diversity and is known the length and breadth of the world for embracing the richness of culture and placing that thinking at its heart, making the region a fantastic place to live, work or run a business.
“Recent research, conducted in partnership with emh Group, into Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the East Midlands further underlines the progress that’s been made, and continues to be made by businesses in the region that recognise the benefit of a diverse workforce.
“The Celebration of Culture and Communities gets better and better each year, with four brilliant acts already confirmed for the main stage at this iconic former cinema in Leicester, that’s steeped in history. Combining international cuisine with a musical journey that quite literally spans the world, this is a not to be missed evening. It’s advisable to get a table secured early – this is a great opportunity to build connections with business representatives and charities, while celebrating the region’s cultural diversity.”
emh Group CEO, Chan Kataria OBE said: “Equality, diversity and inclusion is very close to our heart at emh Group and central to our core values. The Celebration of Culture and Communities event has become so prominent in the calendar, shining a spotlight on the superb achievements the East Midlands has made in its EDI journey and showing the rest of the UK and beyond just what can be accomplished.
“Research we’ve carried out and is being published early this year highlights how businesses, leaders, charities are increasingly prioritising EDI, raising the bar and seeing its benefits. We’ve been a headline partner of the Celebration of Culture and Communities from the outset as it’s such an uplifting event that showcases the blend of cultures that make the East Midlands the vibrant place it is. We’re delighted to partner again in 2025 and further highlight the importance of EDI to the success of the region.”
RandalSun Capital Founder & Chairman Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL said: “The Celebration of Culture and Communities is a phenomenal opportunity to bring people together from across our region – which is one of the most diverse areas of the UK. This special event genuinely celebrates our diversity and is a showcase of outstanding and entrepreneurial businesses, all of which are underpinned by our incredibly diverse communities and cultures.
“Having been involved from the very start, I am delighted that we are a headline sponsor for the event in 2025.”
De Montfort University Director of Engagement Sarah Thomson said: “DMU is proud to partner with East Midlands Chamber for the Celebration of Culture and Communities, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to champion inclusivity, celebrate diversity and support the vibrant communities that shape the region.
“As a university rooted in Leicester, one of the best multicultural cities in Britain, we understand the importance of building connections. We look forward to joining this celebration and continuing to support initiatives that bring people together, create opportunities and celebrate all that is great about the East Midlands.”
To reserve a place and find out more about East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities event in 2025 click here.
