Community Voices
The voices and stories of the communities we collaborate with shape our work.
Below is a range of quotes from young people, creatives and communities. Each one is unique in celebrating a memorable cultural experience or a reflection of how culture has influenced their lives. Together, they reflect what makes our area unique and highlight the power of culture to connect us.
“Secret Cinema’s Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back (2016) reprogrammed my creative mind. The preposterous scale, immersion, and visible love in every production detail made me reevaluate live experiences. From the first second, I was locked in—constantly surprised and delighted for another four hours. I couldn’t stop smiling; I truly believed I was a rebel pilot trying to beat Darth Vader. Best night of my life—yes, better than my wedding—but please don’t tell my wife.”
Nick Hearne
Ignite Chelmsford Partner
“Culture has never changed my life, it’s all I’ve ever been surrounded by, but learning different cultures and what people’s definition of culture means to them - it’s the education that is important.”
Jaiden Buck
Auld, Spark! Member & Culture Chelmsford Trustee
“I have an MA in Ancient History, which I don't often use in my day job, but it completely shaped how I see culture. When you look back thousands of years and find people wrestling with the same things we do now - love, anger, jealousy, grief, confusion, curiosity - it makes you feel small in the best possible way, and deeply connected across time, place and identity. My favourite tutor specialised in translating the hilariously obscene graffiti from Pompeii’s brothel, this always reminds me that culture is not just marble temples and epic poetry but also the irreverent, intimate stamps of real people. It has a way of showing you we’re not all that different really, and that a cheeky drawing never gets old.”
Sally Medd
Cultural Connector - Chelmsford Voluntary Services
“In my second year at primary school I was cast as the third little pig whose house the wolf couldn’t blow down (it being made of bricks) and I’ve never looked back – or been blown down. I felt secure and enjoyed the laughter and applause.”
Peter Blackman,
Cultural Connector - South Wooden Ferrers
“Growing up surrounded by many cultures as a proud Bangladeshi Muslim, I’ve learned the true strength of inclusion. Motherhood opened my eyes to new perspectives and deepened my commitment to creating spaces where every voice matters. Bubu’s Community Hub was born from the quiet strength of women who built bridges across generations and communities without a platform. It truly takes a village, and the Hub carries on that legacy,creating connection, belonging, and shared purpose. There is still much work to do, but culture remains the thread that unites us all..”
Ayesha Raman
Cultural Connector & owner of Bubu’s Community Hub
“Living in India from age 11 to 14, though British-born, was life-changing. I experienced a vibrant culture full of colour, festivals, celebration, and generosity — a deep sense of community and giving. But alongside that beauty, I also witnessed poverty, lack of educational access, forced marriages, and women without a voice. When I returned to England, I saw those same issues reflected in different hidden ways. This contrast shaped my passion for advocacy and equality. It drives me to ensure that vulnerable people don’t suffer in silence and are empowered to thrive and fully participate in every aspect of civic life. Both my companies allow me the privilege of delivering bespoke community development work for those less heard and create targeted projects that enable integration, inclusion, accessibility and a platform for change..”
Sangita Mittra
Cultural Connector Director for Essex Racial Equality Unit and New Generation Development Agency
“Attending the Fling Festivals (and playing a small part in the branding) was such a great experience. From the first ones at Central Park, taking my Dad (who was quite smitten with the Burlesque Dancers!). A few years later at Fling at Highlands Park, I remember being completely blown away by The Repeal Beat Poet and others in the Spoken Word tent, and then, as fate would have it, all those years later introducing him as one of the speakers at Ignite Social. Another time taking my son to the 3ft People Festival, and to the Cultural Takeovers in the High Street, he was awestruck.
Fantastic to live in a city that actually makes this sort of stuff happen….”
Ben Stanbury
The Identity Bureau & Ignite Chelmsford Partner
“My most memorable cultural experience were the gigs that my friends and I used to put on in a community centre in our hometown of Witham. Before these gigs the music scene of Witham was constrained to those able to travel outside Witham. These shows created a budding scene within Witham, with 100-300+ locals attending each show. They provided a platform for local bands to play alongside signed acts such as Deaf Havana, InMe and more. These gigs showed the strength in community, and I believe helping develop one played a big part in my approach to running a company.”
Aj Grand-Scrutton, CEO Dlala Studios & Ignite Chelmsford Partner
