The Salvation Army in Keighley is embracing the spirit of Bradford’s City of Culture year with a lively Samba Drumming session, aimed at uniting the community through music and arts.
The event was part of the “Our Patch” initiative, which brings together local arts and cultural programs across the Bradford area. This session was specifically designed to support asylum seekers and refugees, as part of the Salvation Army’s weekly drop-in service at their High Street location in Keighley.
Throughout 2025, Keighley Salvation Army plans to take part in various community-focused projects as part of Bradford’s City of Culture celebration. Major Imogen Stewart, the leader of the Keighley Salvation Army, highlighted the ongoing efforts of a small team in the area to promote City of Culture activities, particularly in the realms of community arts such as music, singing, theatre, art, and poetry.
“The Samba Drumming event allowed us to embrace Bradford’s City of Culture in a new and exciting way during our asylum seekers drop-in,” Major Stewart shared. “It was incredibly well received, and it provided a fresh and engaging experience for everyone. The day was full of fun and energy, and it was a great success.”
Major Stewart also emphasized the core philosophy of the City of Culture initiative, stating, “Bradford City of Culture is about sharing your story—your background, your culture—and proudly saying, ‘I live in Bradford.’”
At Keighley Salvation Army, this philosophy is embraced through community storytelling and projects like their collaboration with Churches Together, which aims to share the Christian story and the mission of Keighley Salvation Army as a sanctuary for people in need. A new poster project will also celebrate the personal stories of volunteers and members of the local community who contribute to the center’s activities.
Looking ahead, Keighley Salvation Army is excited to host additional cultural sessions, including a cultural cooking afternoon that will celebrate diverse foods and cooking techniques. This event is part of the Victory Programme, which teaches people how to cook on a budget.
The Salvation Army will also host a range of events over the Easter weekend, continuing their commitment to bringing the community together through cultural and educational initiatives.
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