Our operational and non-operational employees and Staff Network Groups love getting involved with a range of community events to celebrate, build relationships, learn, and share our own unique experiences. If you would like us to get involved with any upcoming events, please feel free to email us at: EDI@hants.gov.uk

St Mary's murial unveiled for black history month

Celebrating Black History Month

October signifies the start of Black History Month. We proudly work together with our partners Black History Month South to support inclusive employment and raise awareness of this community in Southampton.

In previous years St Mary’s Fire Station hosted the launch of Black History Month, including the unveiling of a dazzling mural that marked 70 years since the arrival of the Windrush at Southampton docks.

Chinese New Year

Hampshire crews entered the history books as the first fire and rescue service in the country to perform the dragon dance at the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Nine members of the team – including six St Mary’s firefighters and three members HQ staff performed at West Quay as part of a five-hour show put on by the Chinese Association of Southampton.

Chinese new year dragon

Supporting Pride

We are active at attending PRIDE marches throughout Hampshire to support our LGBT+ communities, and raise awareness by supporting initiatives such as National Coming out Day and IDAHoBiT.

Eid

Eid al-Fitr which marked the end of Ramadan – the holy month of fasting. Our station opened it’s doors to host 400 people who got the chance to try out hoses, look around fire engines, go on a bouncy castle and enjoy traditional food.​

The community group photo
Diwali

Celebrating Diwali

In previous years St Mary’s Fire Station lit up its 23-metre fire tower like a giant candle to celebrate Diwali the Hindu festival of lights. There was also a firework display and a frying pan fire demonstration together with traditional food provided from both Sikh and Muslim communities.​

Vaisakhi

For Vaisakhi, firefighters joined 10,000 Sikhs on parade through Southampton and took part in the tradition of offering fruit to others.​

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