On Sunday, 16 August 2026, the Burton Hazara Society hosted a vibrant Hazara Exhibition and Cultural Celebration, serving as a standout highlight of Burton Culture Week. The event brought together community members, local residents, and civic leaders for an immersive day of traditional arts, folklore, live music, and storytelling aimed at preserving and sharing Hazara heritage.
The Burton Hazara Society extends its deep appreciation to East Staffordshire Borough Council for facilitating the wider Burton Culture Week, a vital multi-day initiative dedicated to bringing diverse communities together across the borough.
Stories of Resilience and Identity
In his welcoming address, Burton Hazara Society Chairman Zia Zafari highlighted the enduring connection between the community and the town, setting the tone for the cultural showcase.
“For nearly three decades, the Hazara community has called Burton home after fleeing conflict and hardship in Afghanistan,” said Zia Zafari. “We are no longer simply people who live in Burton. We are part of Burton. Today is an opportunity to share our history and culture with the wider community, while reminding ourselves where we came from and what connects us.”
A centrepiece of the afternoon was a deeply moving address by Noorollah, Secretary of the Burton Hazara Society. Speaking to a captivated audience, Noorollah shared his personal journey from Afghanistan to the United Kingdom—a lived experience that resonated powerfully across the room and reflected the collective story of migration, survival, and belonging shared by many in the community. Noorollah also guided the audience through Hazara traditions and hosted an engaging, interactive cultural quiz.
The speaking programme also featured concise historical reflections:
- Dr. Arif Sahar spoke briefly on the critical importance of safeguarding cultural heritage within diaspora communities.
- Historian Mohammad Gulzari provided concise context on the historical background of the Hazara people and their journey to the UK.
Living Heritage: Attire, Culinary Traditions, and Music
Throughout the afternoon, guests explored rich cultural displays showcasing intricate, vibrant traditional Hazara attire and authentic culinary staples, including Bosragh and Nan Bota. The sensory experience offered visitors an authentic window into centuries-old customs and daily life.
The event featured dynamic cultural performances that filled the hall with energy:
- Traditional Dance: Dancers performed authentic Hazara steps, drawing enthusiastic participation and applause.
- The Sound of the Dambura: Musician Asif Karimi delivered an expressive solo set featuring traditional Hazara instrumental compositions.
- Headline Live Performance: Acclaimed singer Elaha Soroor joined Asif Karimi on stage for a headline 10-song performance, weaving folk rhythms and contemporary arrangements that brought Hazara poetry and song to life.
Community Engagement and Local Praise
The gathering drew strong civic attendance, including East Staffordshire Borough Councillors Paul Walker, Shelagh McKiernan, and Syed Hussain, alongside representatives from The Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent.
Tracy Parr, Local Tourism Officer at East Staffordshire Borough Council, and representatives of the Consolidated Charity of Burton Upon Trent praised the showcase as an “eye-opener” into the richness of the diaspora’s heritage.
Covering events across the borough-wide initiative on behalf of East Staffordshire, Deborah Hadfield remarked that the gathering was “one of the best events” she had attended during Culture Week.
The afternoon also marked a significant milestone as guests gathered inside the society’s newly refurbished hall for ribbon-cutting ceremony and awards presentation honouring dedicated volunteers. The day concluded with a traditional communal feast, sharing Hazara hospitality and culinary traditions with the wider Burton community.
The Burton Hazara Society extends its sincere appreciation to the organisers and key contributors who dedicated their time and energy to bringing the event to life. Special thanks go to the Executive Team and the Board of Trustees for their leadership and planning throughout the programme, alongside key recognition for Ali Alizadeh for his support, time, and vital efforts, Mohebullah Zafarnezhad for co-hosting alongside our vice-chair, and Juma Vafaie for his dedicated work in documenting the celebration through photo and video coverage.