Shades Celebration Gathering

Registration from 10:30am, event starting time at 11am.

About the Event

Whether you are a newly formed Shades Ambassadors group or one of our founding groups across the diocese, this event will inspire ally ship and shine a spotlight on the vital leadership role our Shades Ambassadors undertake within their communities.

So let’s come together to celebrate their impact, recognise that we are stronger when we do this work together, and be re-energised to continue building communities rooted in justice, belonging, and hope.

The Shades Ambassadors Gathering is a diocesan-wide celebration honouring the young people who have been agents of change in their schools and communities. Through creative projects, courageous conversations, and leadership rooted in identity and justice, our Shades Ambassadors have been amplifying their voices to dismantle racism and cultivate belonging.

This event brings together Shades Ambassadors, educators, clergy, and racial justice practitioners for an inspiring two-part experience from across Manchester Diocese. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from proven models of youth-led change
• Explore how we can build schools and parishes of belonging and flourishing
• Celebrate the outstanding achievements of our young leaders

The Gathering will feature:

• Ambassador-led workshops
• An art exhibition
• An interactive prayer space
• Food and refreshments
• Special guest speakers
• A celebration of achievement presentation to all Shades Ambassadors groups
• A commissioning service with Bishop Mark

There will also be space for teachers and young leaders to connect, reflect, and explore how, together, we can nurture and grow disciples who transform their communities.

About Shades

Shades is a racial justice and faith project from the Diocese of Manchester, working with schools, churches, children, young people, and families across the diocese. It seeks to create communities where everyone can belong, flourish, and be valued, celebrating diversity while promoting anti-racist practice and Christian discipleship.

Through collective worship, interactive workshops, discipleship groups, and staff training, Shades encourages meaningful conversations about identity, faith, and racial justice. The project equips children and young people to celebrate difference, stand against racism, and recognise that every person is made in the image of God.