Love Not Hate: A Community Celebration in the Heart of Preston
Love Not Hate
There are moments when a community comes together not out of necessity, but out of intention.
Our recent “Love Not Hate” event at Catherine Beckett Community Centre was one of those moments.
Held on Saturday 14th February, what could have been just another date on the calendar became something far more meaningful: a shared space of warmth, culture, conversation, and connection.
More Than an Event: A Statement
“Love Not Hate” wasn’t just a theme. It was a quiet but powerful statement.
In a world that often feels divided, the day reminded us of something simple:
• People still show up
• People still share
• People still care
From the moment doors opened, there was a steady flow of residents, families, and friends, each bringing something with them, not just food, but a piece of themselves.
Food as a Universal Language
If there’s one thing that unites people instantly, it’s food.
Tables quickly filled with dishes from across cultures:
• Homemade favourites
• Family recipes passed down generations
• Sweet treats and savoury surprises
There was no hierarchy. No labels. Just sharing.
And that’s the beauty of it,food became the bridge. Conversations started over plates. Strangers became familiar. Familiar faces became friends.
Voices, Music, and Shared Moments
Throughout the day, the centre came alive with:
• Music
• Laughter
• Conversations that carried across rooms
The videos captured it best, not staged, not scripted, just real people enjoying real moments.
You could see it in the:
Smiles
Ease of conversation
Way people stayed longer than they planned
That’s always the sign of something working.
A Space That Feels Like It Belongs to Everyone
At its core, Catherine Beckett Community Centre exists for one reason:
To bring people together.
Events like this remind us what that truly looks like in practice.
Not polished. Not perfect. But real.
A place where everyone:
Is welcome
Contributes
Leaves a little better than they arrived
The Power of Small, Consistent Action
No single event changes the world.
But this is how change actually happens, quietly, consistently, locally.
One event.
One conversation.
One shared experience at a time.
“Love Not Hate” wasn’t about making noise.
It was about building something steady.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning.
We want to continue creating spaces like this, where people feel comfortable, connected, and part of something bigger than themselves.
If you joined us, thank you.
If you didn’t, there’s always a next time.
Join Us Next Time
Keep an eye on upcoming events at Catherine Beckett Community Centre.
Bring a dish. Bring a friend. Or just bring yourself.
You’ll be welcomed either way.
Contact Us
Connect with us on our socials here:
• Facebook: @CatherineBeckettCommunityCentre
• Instagram: @CatherineBeckettCC
• Twitter: @CBecketts23
• LinkedIn: @catherine-beckett-community-centre
• Phone/WhatsApp: 07807936161