Reflection from the Big Conversation in Leicester

As I stepped into Leicester Cathedral on March 3rd for the Big Conversation, I felt a quiet buzz of anticipation. The room hummed with the energy of over 100 people educators, artists, faith leaders, health workers, students, and community advocates all united by a shared love for Leicester. It was a vivid reminder of why our work matters.

What struck me most was the profound sense of belonging in the room. Not everyone here was born in Leicester, but it didn’t matter. The city was home to all, a place they’d chosen to invest in, nurture, and reimagine. Bishop Martyn’s words echoed in my mind: Leicester’s potential lies not just in its diversity, but in how we intentionally “mix across differences.” That intentionality was alive in every conversation.

Hearing young people share their hopes and fears with such raw honesty. One student spoke of Leicester’s diversity as its “superpower,” while another admitted feeling “unseen” despite the city’s celebrated inclusivity. Their courage left me in awe. At their age, I doubt I could have stood before a crowd of strangers to voice such vulnerable truths. Yet here they were, demanding a seat at the table now, not someday. Their message was clear: young people aren’t just the future, they’re vital collaborators in shaping the present.

The discussions that followed were equally powerful. Small groups grappled with questions like “What stops us from living well together?” and “How do we build bridges, not silos?” I listened as a police chief, a Ukrainian community leader, and a faith leader debated solutions. Barriers like fear, language, and unequal access to resources came up repeatedly. But so did opportunities: festivals, interfaith dialogues, mentorship programs. The consensus? Progress starts when we step out of comfort zones. One person joked, “If we all just showed up to each other’s events, Leicester would never sleep!”

This wasn’t just talk. Tom Wilson, Director St Philip’s Centre hinted at upcoming intercultural projects, and already, plans for follow-up meetings were underway.

As a communicator, my job is to amplify these stories. But today, I was reminded that the real work isn’t just sharing visions, it’s fostering the spaces where those visions become action. Leicester isn’t perfect, but it’s alive. And after this gathering, I’m more convinced than ever: the city’s best chapters are being written by people like these ordinary folks stubbornly, joyfully building an extraordinary future.