Kirklees Together

Join us at one of the many events celebrating Inter Faith Week 2023. Together we celebrate the positive contribution different faiths bring to our local community and the wider society, as well as recognising all we have in common.

About Inter Faith Week

Now in its 15^th year, Inter Faith Week starts from Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, through to Sunday 19 November.

The week is for everyone from all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds and is an opportunity to learn more about the spiritual and religious diversity of our communities.

Inter Faith Week has been marked in the UK since 2009 when the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, hosted an event attended by faith community leaders. The week has continued to grow ever since. Nationally, hundreds of organisations take part to support the week’s activities. More locally this includes our community and faith groups, schools, colleges and the council.

Events and activities in Kirklees

From the many events and activities organised across Kirklees, we’ve put together a list of those the general public can get involved with.

If you attend an event and want to give us a shout out on socials, use the hashtag #KirkleesIFW

Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 November

• Beowulf performances in Huddersfield

Information and book at Lawrence Batley Theatre Link to:www.thelbt.org/what-s-on/music/beowulf

Sunday 12 November

• Inter faith event to celebrate Diwali

2pm, Huddersfield Hindu Temple, 20, Zetland Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2RA

Monday 13 – Sunday 19 November 

• What colour do you associate with happiness, peace or makes you feel happy and why? Send your colour and reason (max 20 words) to: Cohesion@Kirklees.gov.uk Include your social media handle if you want to be tagged. Your message will then be shared during Inter Faith Week through the Cohesion Team’s X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

• Roses for Peace 

Sharing a peace and friendship message at Dewsbury, Birstall, Batley, Ravensthorpe, Mirfield & Huddersfield. For more details or to join in email NK Interfaith nkinterfaith@gmail.com

• Drop-in activities for 4+ year olds and their carer(s)

Drop by your local library for activities. Whilst you’re in the library take a look at Dewey number 200-299 and borrow a book.

Link to:  www.kirklees.gov.uk/libraries

Monday 13 November

• One Christian Church with many denominations from the first century to today

10am –  4pm, Sequel study day led by Dr Chris Hewer, The One and the Many, exploring the unity and diversity of groupings within Islam and Christianity. Everyone welcome. Darul-ilm Education and Training Centre, 12 Dale Street, Thornhill Lees, WF12 9HT. Refreshments from 9.30am onwards. If you’d like to attend, or for more details, please contact NK Interfaith nkinterfaith@gmail.com

Wednesday 15 November

• “What I want to ask is…”

10am – 12pm, a chance to ask about other faiths and be asked about yours. Led by local faith leaders and hosted by the Hope Cafe in conjunction with the Ravensthorpe Community Centre. With refreshments and yoga – for free! Head to Ravensthorpe Community Centre, Garden St, Ravensthorpe, WF13 3AR. 

• Mosque open day

10am – 12pm, open to everyone guided tours, practical demonstrations, information displays and presentations at Jamia Masjid Noor, Crosland Road, Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield, HD1 3JS.

• Breakfast and chat

9.30am – 11am, special invitation to friends of other faiths to join us for breakfast and chat at Gledholt Methodist Church, Edgerton Grove Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1 5QX from. Everyone welcome.

Thursday 16 November

• Friendship walk, Huddersfield

A walk of friendship among faith and non-faith communities starts at 11.30am at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Baitus Samad 41, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6AS (refreshments available). The friendship walk will then move to the New Testament Church of God, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6AY for 12.10pm. It will then finish at the Shri Guru Gurdwara Singh Sabha Sikh Temple, Hillhouse Lane, Fartown, Huddersfield, HD1 6JT between 1pm -1.30pm, where food and drinks will be served.

• Friendship faith trail, Dewsbury 

Raising awareness, understanding and learning about different faiths in the area. Everyone is welcome. Join us at Longcauseway Church, 36 The Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury WF13 1NH at 4.45pm, the friendship walk will then move to the Zakaria Mosque,2 Chapel Street, Dewsbury WF12 9NQ.  

Saturday 18November

• Faith and friendship walk, Huddersfield

Explore familiar and unfamiliar sacred sites, learn from one another through opportunities to ask questions and through chatting as we walk from Huddersfield Parish Church at 11am, Byram Street HD1. The walk will then move to the Hindu Temple, 20 Zetland Street, HD1, with a final stop at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 2 Prospect Street, HD1. There will be 30-40 minutes in each faith centre, and refreshments will be served at the Gurdwara.

Sunday 19 November

• Women’s cricket and multi-sports event

12pm – 2pm women of faith and non-faith to come together, have fun and conversations to connect, build trust and celebrate. Join us at The Pavilion, Spaines Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, HD2 2SD. No booking required.

• Share a poem Sunday

Batley Poets want you to share a poem about faith or community. Whether it’s your own poem or a poem you like, post an image or video of you reading the poem to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram. Use the hashtag #ShareAPoemIFW and tag @BatleyPoets too!

• Women’s network event

10am – 12pm Come along and meet some of our amazing women’s groups at this informal interactive drop-in session. Community Room, Greenwood Centre, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3JR,.