What Is The Real Story Behind The Commitment To Diversity At York's Ebor Festival?

When you think of a huge event like the famous Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, you probably picture the thundering hooves of the horses, the roar of the crowd, and maybe a fancy hat or two. But behind all that excitement, there's a massive team of people working tirelessly to make sure everything runs perfectly. An announcement has shone a light on the unsung heroes of the festival, showing how a real commitment to diversity is making this year's event one to remember for everyone, both on and off the track.

More than just a day at the races

It's easy to forget what it takes to put on an event the size of the Ebor Festival. It's not just about the horses making history. From the moment the gates open until the last guest leaves, a whole army of staff is on the go. This is where a company called PJ Staffing Ltd comes in. They are the people behind a lot of the event's staffing operations. Think about it - every perfectly poured pint, every clean table, and every friendly face that helps you find your way is part of a huge, coordinated effort.

This Leeds-based provider of event and hospitality staffing solutions is proud to be an inclusive Yorkshire employer. They bring together people from all over the region and even further afield to handle everything from litter picking and cleaning to serving drinks and managing the front-of-house. Every single role is valued. It's a classic case of teamwork making the dream work. .

A team reflecting the real world

So, what does it actually mean to have a diverse team? It's not just a buzzword. It's about creating a workplace where people from all different walks of life feel welcome and can do their best work. Paul Evans, the Founder of PJ Staffing, summed it up perfectly.

"We've got an incredible mix of people working at the Ebor Festival this year. Different ages, backgrounds and cultures all coming together with one goal: making sure visitors have the best day possible. We're proud of our team and proud to be part of York Racecourse's commitment to inclusivity."

This isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about building a stronger, more effective team. When you have people with different life experiences, you get a wider range of ideas and perspectives. For visitors, seeing a team that reflects the wider community makes the atmosphere more welcoming. It sends a clear message: everyone belongs here.

A story of success: meet Abiodun

Originally from Nigeria, Abiodun now lives in Bradford and is a key member of the team at York Racecourse. He joined PJ Staffing in 2023 and is now in his third season working at the racecourse. His hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed. Last year, he was promoted to Cleaning Day Supervisor.

In this role, Abiodun leads a team that has the mammoth task of keeping the entire racecourse looking pristine from morning until evening. It's a job that requires attention to detail and a lot of energy, but he has risen to the challenge brilliantly.

Speaking about his experience, Abiodun was full of praise for the environment created by his employer and the venue.

"Working at York Racecourse for PJ Staffing has been a wonderful experience. For the inclusion of all, irrespective of where you're from, it's been an awesome experience. The staff at York Racecourse have been welcoming and accommodating."

His story is a brilliant example of what inclusivity looks like in action. It's about giving people opportunities to grow and succeed, regardless of their background. It shows that when a company and a venue work together on their commitment to diversity, it benefits everyone, from the staff to the visitors enjoying their day out.

What makes York Racecourse special?

York Racecourse has always been known for its warm Yorkshire welcome. But its commitment goes much deeper than just being friendly. There's a strong focus on accessibility and making sure that every single guest, and every member of staff, feels included. This partnership with PJ Staffing is a perfect illustration of that ethos.

They work hand-in-hand to create an environment where everyone can belong. This covers everything you can see and everything you can't.

• Accessibility for all: Ensuring there are proper disability access facilities across the venue.
• Staff welfare: Looking after the team, which can include things like providing culturally-appropriate food for staff from different backgrounds.
• A shared vision: Both the venue and PJ Staffing are aligned in their goal to make the Ebor Festival a benchmark for inclusivity.

This dedication to quality service and a professional, friendly team atmosphere is what makes the experience at York Racecourse so memorable. The joint commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that the hospitality at the Ebor Festival is second to none, creating a positive experience for visitors and a supportive workplace for the staff. It's this level of care that makes the whole event run like clockwork.