Celebrating 100 Years of Salford: Music, Smiles, and Resilience at Move & Groove 2026
- kunleojerinola
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Written by: David Morrison & Nnenna Nelly Anaeke
Digital Publication by: Praise Ojerinola
Published by Connect Talent CIO • Salford • July 2026
When over 150 neighbors, local families, volunteers, and community members gather under the open summer sky with shared intention, something truly special happens.
On Friday, 24th July 2026, the courtyard and halls outside Pendleton Gateway transformed into a lively community hub for Connect Talent CIO's Move and Groove Summer Event. Marking the historic 100 year Centenary of Salford, the afternoon was all about friendship, positive wellbeing, culturally diverse food, digital empowerment, and shared pride in our city's heritage.
From live musical serenades to celebrated civic milestones, free digital skill presentations, community stretching sessions, and inspiring personal triumphs, here is a visual story of how our city came together to show what really makes Salford strong.
A Buzzing Courtyard of Connection
By midday, the festival atmosphere was already in full swing. Bright blue Connect Talent T-shirts filled the grounds as staff, trustees, and volunteers welcomed arriving guests. All around the courtyard and under colorful gazebos, dozens of collaborating community partners set up engaging exhibition stalls to share resources, guidance, and fun conversation with residents of all ages.
Whether people were looking for volunteering opportunities, career advice from Salford Employment and Apprenticeship and the Growth Company, or friendly support from teams like Salford CVS, Euni Assist, Unison, Salford Foundation, Flowhesion, and the Angel Centre, there was a seat at the table for everyone.
Civic Pride and Warm Welcomes
Following a heartfelt opening reflection by Rev. John Bradbury, Chair of Trustees Board (Barr. Bunmi Adeleke), our Master of Ceremonies and CEO, Dr. Oladimeji (Ola) Ojerinola, took to the microphone to welcome our honoured guests. We were privileged to host the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Robin Garrido, and Mayoress Mrs Karen Garrido, alongside esteemed local councillors and civic dignitaries.
Hearing Councillor Garrido speak about Salford’s full century of history reminded everyone present that a city's true legacy lives in its kindness, solidarity, and ongoing dedication to social cohesion. The community pride reached a crescendo during a wonderful shared rendition of the National Anthem.
Our commitment to strong civic fellowship and grassroots collaboration was further amplified by the attendance of our dedicated local Member of Parliament, Rebecca Long-Bailey. Taking time out of a busy schedule to join the Centenary milestone, our esteemed MP engaged warmly with neighborhood families, exhibition stall partners, and educational learners across the grounds.
Music That Moves the Soul: Saxophones and Singing Together
You simply cannot have a proper Salford summer celebration without remarkable live music to lift everyone's spirits. A standout musical treat that completely captivated the crowd was the live performance by the talented saxophonist Oprah Atunrase.
Her uplifting saxophone serenades, smooth mid tempo grooves, and expressive melodies drifted across the courtyard, drawing spontaneous applause and encouraging everyone to tap along to the rhythm between speeches and networking sessions.
The musical energy continued throughout the afternoon with energetic contributions from the Connect Talent Music and Dance Club, staying true to their inspiring motto to sing, dance, and shine.
Empowering the Community: Free Essential Digital Skills and Laptop Presentations
At the heart of everything Connect Talent CIO does is an unwavering commitment to empowering our local community through education and technology. In today's fast paced world, digital connectivity is an essential lifeline. That is why our organization is dedicated to providing completely free Essential Digital Skills training courses to Salford residents, supporting community learners every step of the way from beginners to confident digital citizens.
To celebrate educational excellence and practical empowerment, a major highlight of the afternoon was our digital skills graduation and equipment presentation ceremony.
During the ceremony, an exceptional student from our Essential Digital Skills cohort was formally presented with a brand new laptop in recognition of her outstanding dedication and coursework achievement. Alongside laptop awards, eligible learners across our programs also received essential digital hardware support and high speed data SIM cards to ensure they remain connected to modern career pathways, banking, and educational tools.
Listening to live feedback from our learners on the spot was profoundly moving. They spoke openly about how mastering digital skills for free at Connect Talent CIO has transformed their daily routine, giving them the independent confidence to apply for jobs, utilize public services online, and stay in touch with loved ones around the globe.
Sybil’s Milestone Book Launch: Proof It Is Never Too Late
Our free digital skills support is not just about mastering computer software or hardware. It is about unlocking creative dreams and amplification of personal storytelling. Nothing illustrates this better than our special author spotlight during the celebration.
Meet Sybil Onyemem: a dedicated digital skills learner, a freshly appointed Connect Talent Ambassador, and now a celebrated first time children's author at 78 years young!
With the continuous encouragement and digital training support of the Connect Talent CIO team, Sybil officially launched her wonderful new book, Liam and the Quiet Superpower, featuring an inspiring foreword written by Dr. Ola Ojerinola. Standing proudly at the speaker's lectern, Sybil treated the audience to a heartwarming live reading.
Born from long distance evening phone calls discussing her grandson's experiences, her story teaches children an invaluable lesson: you do not need to be the loudest person in the room to make a lasting, meaningful impact. With its loving gentle mantra reminding readers of all ages that they are blessed, smart, and loved, Sybil's milestone achievement earned enthusiastic cheering from the entire crowd. Her journey is living proof that creativity, personal growth, and digital mastery know no age limits.
Getting Active and Grounded: Courtesy of Salford City FC and Achieve
True to the event's name, nobody stayed seated for very long! A truly energetic and joyful highlight of the afternoon was our community stretching and gentle movement session, brought to us courtesy of Salford City FC formerly known as Foundation 92.
Two dynamic sports trainers from Salford City FC took to the plaza with microphones, leading fun and inclusive stretching exercises that brought young children, parents, and seniors up onto their feet together.
In a heartening display of civic warmth and fun, even our Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Robin Garrido, happily joined the line! Standing shoulder to shoulder with Connect Talent staff, volunteers, and community residents, the Mayor stretched out his arms and participated in the physical wellness routine with plenty of smiles and laughter.
To complement physical vitality with emotional resilience, we also welcomed the team from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (Achieve). They conducted two open, informative talk sessions throughout the afternoon, breaking down stigmas and sharing practical wellbeing techniques and mental health support guidance with local families.
Sharing Culture Through Food and Centenary Sweetness
No community festival is truly complete without breaking bread together. Tables lined with culturally diverse dishes and refreshing beverages invited everyone to connect over shared meals, highlighting Salford's rich multicultural identity.
The focal point of the culinary celebration was without a doubt our official centenary dessert. Resting proudly on the display table was a magnificent centerpiece cake reading: Move & Groove 2026 - SALFORD AT 100.
Led by Ms. Kelly Samuel, the cake cutting ceremony brought Ceremonial Mayor Robin Garrido, Mayoress Karen Garrido, Dr. Ola Ojerinola, and diverse staff members together in a wonderful symbolic moment of unity. Hands joined together on the knife, the team made the celebratory cut as the crowd clapped and cheered. Within minutes, delicious slices of the centenary cake were being passed around and enjoyed by everyone in the courtyard.
Growing Stronger Together
When the event wrapped up at four o'clock after interactive community trivia games and heartfelt words of appreciation, guests drifted home with full bellies, practical support tools, and lifted hearts.
Connect Talent CIO CEO Dr. Ola Ojerinola and the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Robin Garrido, standing proudly alongside our incredible community partners by the centenary cake.
Move and Groove 2026 was more than just an anniversary milestone or a summer outing. It was a clear demonstration of neighborly warmth and civic inclusion in action. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our sponsors, Community Award, Achieve, Salford CVS, dedicated volunteers, vibrant local exhibitors, EuniAssist, Phemcytee Clothing, Unison, talented musical performers like Oprah Atunrase and our dance club, energetic sports partners like Salford City FC, and every resident who joined us on Friday to make the day unforgettable.
Whether you want to take advantage of our free Essential Digital Skills training courses, explore community volunteering opportunities, or simply connect with supportive neighbors, our doors at Pendleton Gateway are always open.
Together, we make Salford Stronger!
Move & Groove 2026: Moments to Remember
Ready to build your confidence with our free Essential Digital Skills training or looking to get involved as a volunteer? Reach out to Connect Talent CIO online or stop by our community hub at Pendleton Gateway today.
Connect Talent CIO • Registered Charity Number 1198975
Community Hub: Pendleton, Salford • Supporting our community with digital skills and inclusion for free.
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