Reflections on the Festival of Britain | Letters

Ariella Lister wonders what such an event would look like today, while John Bailey doubts that it brought people together. Plus letters from Dr Allan Dodds and Peter Aylmer

Celebrating the legacy of the Festival of Britain 75 years on by considering “how art can bring people together in the darkest times” is a fine sentiment (Editorial, 1 May). But far too many in this country have no opportunity to share in that legacy. We need to recognise that this country is a very different place to that of 75 years ago – it is divided and more diverse. We are now a multicultural nation – but a fractured one.

A possible solution to the many racist and prejudiced attitudes we see around us is to have another festival of Britain, but with a very different focus. One where groups of people of different races, creeds and religions show the country how they differ from each other in customs and practices, but also how similar we all are, with groups showcasing their food, music, history, interests, specialisms etc. Hopefully this might help dispel the fear and mistrust people feel when new and established immigrants settle among us.
Ariella Lister
Mill Hill, London