Students Celebrate Global Community at Annual Culture Day
16th February 26
Abbey College Manchester was awash with colour, music and international flavours on Wednesday 11th February as students and staff came together for the college’s annual Culture Day.
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, excitement built across the college community. Staff and students suggested significant songs for a joint Culture Day playlist, prepared specialty foods and drinks from around the world, and designed activities and games to share with others. The result was a joyful, immersive experience that reflected the rich diversity at the heart of Abbey College Manchester.
The Common Room became a hub of creativity, where students painted one another’s faces with flags and meaningful cultural symbols. One talented student created intricate mehndi designs, carefully painting the hands of volunteers and drawing admiration from onlookers.
Classrooms across the first and second floors were transformed by students into vibrant cultural showcases. Representing seven regions of the globe, students decorated the rooms themselves and hosted activities including traditional games, crafts, poetry and music. Each space offered a unique glimpse into different customs and traditions, inviting visitors to explore and learn.
In the Learning Centre, the Culture Day playlist kept spirits high, playing party tunes in a wide array of languages and styles. Meanwhile, food and drink from countries including China, Hong Kong, Wales, Ireland, Ukraine, Pakistan, England, Italy, Romania, Russia, Iran, Palestine, Nigeria, India and Iraq were shared generously by staff and students alike — with many empty bowls and happy faces as proof of the event’s success.
Several themed activities proved especially popular. Janes led an engaging introduction to Italian, giving students a taste of the language and culture of Italy. Nicola and Karen created a charming mini British tea shop, where they introduced visitors to traditional customs and practices from United Kingdom.
Students Cindy and Lynn marked Luna New Year with handmade decorations and demonstrated calligraphy techniques, translating the names of staff and students into Chinese characters — including one for Abbey College Manchester itself. Liam hosted a traditional matcha ceremony, offering participants a chance to experience an important cultural ritual rooted in Japan.
Culture Day once again highlighted the college’s inclusive spirit and global outlook, celebrating not only the many nationalities represented within the student body but also the shared sense of community that brings them together.
