THE diverse range of cultures living in Beeston have been celebrated at a Season of Lights festival.
The annual event is organised by Broxtowe Community Celebration Group as a way to boost community spirit and unity in the town.
This year's festival was held on the same day as the Christmas lights switch-on and attracted more than 500 people to Chilwell Road Methodist Church on Saturday.
Margaret Dare, 39, of Beeston, took her two kids into the outdoor inflatable snowglobe to have a family photograph taken.
She said: "I think it's brilliant that all the different faiths have come together, and I think it is important that people acknowledge the different cultures and are taught how we can all work together.
"Going into the snowglobe was really good. The kids loved it and didn't want to come out of it. It was good because the photographs were free too, and you get around five to eight minutes in there."
Her five-year-old daughter Eloise added: "It was fun. I liked the snowman and wanted to make snow angels."
Inside the church, families were able to take part in a range of events, including making a Diwali diya lamp, embellishing an Eid moon and having their hands decorated with Henna.
There were also dance and music performances to enjoy and foods from around the world to try.
Dave Mahisekar, 45, of Beeston, was helping out at one of the activity stands.
He said: "I think the festival is a good way to invite people from all religions and ethnicities to get together.
"The children have really enjoyed making there own decorations and then writing messages on them and putting them on the tree."
Jill Carter, a member of the Broxtowe Community Celebration Group, and volunteer on the day, said this year's event has been the busiest so far, with more than 500 attendances.
She said: "This sort of event is really important to break down barriers and build bridges, and to recognise all the people that make up our community.
"It has been lovely to see people enjoying themselves."