Successful interfaith dinner brings communities together around a shared table.

An event held at the University of Sheffield on Monday 17th November brought students of different faiths together and encouraged engaging dialogue. 

Hosted at the Student’s Union, the event consisted of six faith societies, each sharing traditional dishes from their culture, offering attendees an opportunity to try food they may not have encountered before.

There were people of Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Baháʼí and Muslim backgrounds.

All food served was vegetarian, ensuring that regardless of faith, attendees were able to try the full array of dishes.

Thought- provoking questions were placed around the room, sparking conversations which helped students learn about each other’s religions and beliefs. 

Kayla Chesler, organiser of the event and a member of the Jewish society’s Committee said: “The event has had a great turnout from a range of different faith societies, and it has been lovely to meet people from a variety of different faiths and try foods from different cultures.”

Milan Gadher, President of the Hindu Society said: “You may enjoy talking to people with the same ideas, but take a minute to talk to people with dissimilar thoughts and you will find it more valuable.”

Micah Ferguson, Prayer Secretary of the Christian Union commented: “It’s a great event to meet people from other religions and see what‘s similar and different. Food is such a great way to bring people together.”

In an age where division often dominates headlines in our news feeds, it was refreshing to see students interacting with such curiosity and respect. 

When addressing the room, Kayla Chesler highlighted the importance of ‘building bridges between the communities’ and hinted that the societies would work together to organise another interfaith event in the future.

Students from diverse faiths and backgrounds share traditional foods and engage in meaningful conversations.

17/11/2025

Thousands of anti-racists gather in Sheffield City centre to march against UKIP on Saturday.

More than 1,000 ‘anti-racist’ protesters mobilised in Sheffield city centre on Saturday 8th November in order to counter 100 UKIP supporters who were marching through the city. 

Counterprotests were organised by Sheffield Stand Up To Racism. The group said in a social media post that: “Trade unionists, Palestine activists, trans, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Black, White, migrant and others stood together in solidarity with refugees.” 

Seven arrests were made by South Yorkshire Police, with Stand Up To Racism saying that the police imposed ‘disgraceful restrictions that sought to criminalise antifascists’. 

At the City Council meeting on Wednesday 5th November, when asked about the upcoming protest, Leader of the Council Tom Hunt said: “Those people who come to our city to sow division and hate, to turn neighbour against neighbour, community against community, are not welcome here.”

Sheffield became the UK’s first city of sanctuary in 2007, designating it a safe place for those seeking refuge. Councillor Hunt said: “We are really proud of our city of sanctuary status.”

Sheffield Stand Up To Racism are organising a unity rally in Sheffield on the 22nd of November which is expected to have a strong student turnout.