press release standing together against racism...
TRANSCRIPT
PRESS RELEASE
Standing Together Against Racism Festival
INSPIRING THROUGH WORDS AND MUSIC
21.3.2014 to 23.3.2014
Introduction The Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, Preston City
Council, Lancashire County Council, Preston BME Forum, Preston and South Ribble
Trade Union, UCLan, Preston College, The Love and Etiquette Foundation and the
support of a wide range of community groups invite you to join an eclectic mix of
performances, stalls and music for 3 days of celebrating diversity in Preston from
Friday 21st March to Sunday 23rd March 2014. Admission is FREE to all 3 days.
Day One – Community Choir – County Hall - Friday 21 March 2014
Friday 21 March is a School Event, being held in the Council Chamber at County Hall
from 11:00am -1:00pm when pupils from Preston Schools will perform songs based on
the themes of the Festival
"As part of the overall event the County Council's Young Peoples Service will be
bringing together secondary schools from across Preston to participate in a mass choir
and show their commitment to community cohesion and creating a safer Preston where
racism is not tolerated.
Young people involved in the individual choirs from participating schools will have been
rehearsing songs throughout February having agreed a programme to be presented as
a Mass Choir in County Hall Preston. The programme and choice of songs will reflect
the key themes of the event and promote their messages of hope for the future and a
Preston free of racism. County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson Cabinet Member for
Young People will host the event along with invited guests from local community groups
and More Music will offer musical direction support to the school's fantastic music staff.
For more information please contact Grant Murdoch, Operations Manager, Young
People's Service in Preston and Fylde
T. 01772 538847
M. 07802397477
Day Two – Community Day – Preston Flag Market – Saturday 22 March - 11:00am
to 3:00pm
Building on the success of Preston Guild, which showed just how well the people of the
City worked together, a wide range of community groups and organisations from the
Preston area have joined Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, to
organise a community day which will take place on the Flag Market
The event will involve a range of exciting stage performances involving song and dance
throughout the day and even includes a demonstration from Preston College’s very
own student “Harlem Globetrotters” basketball team. There will even be the opportunity
to take part in an African drumming workshop and a penalty shootout organised by
Preston North End.
There will also be an opportunity to have a FREE cup of tea or coffee and for people to
talk about their hopes for the future and even record their thoughts using Preston FM’s
‘Vox Pops’ gazebo.
Preston Young People’s Service will be hosting a book of condolence for Nelson
Mandela and there will be an opportunity for everyone to pledge their support to ‘Stand
Together Against Racism’.
There will also be numerous gazebos on the day which will involve a wide range of
activities and information which will be hosted by a range of organisations. You can
also come on board to the Citizenzone to have a FREE lung capacity check by NHS
Stop Smoking Service.
For more information please contact Nigel Heckford, Community Engagement
Manager, Preston City Council
T. 01772 906372
Day Three – Music Festival – Guild Hall – Sunday 23 March - 1pm - 7pm
Preston has a proud tradition of celebrating the diversity of its population whilst strongly
challenging racism and all other forms of oppression. This was epitomised in the 2012
Guild Year that saw people from all backgrounds come together to commemorate the
historical roots and traditions of the Guild and celebrate the changing face of modern
Preston, with the Community Procession being one of the highlights of the year-long
event.
To raise awareness about the insidious effects of racism and highlight the positive
influence of diversity of cultures and communities, Preston is organising a Music
Festival led by Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, supported by
Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, UCLan, Preston & South Ribble
Trade Union Council, Preston Black and Minority Ethnic Forum and The Love &
Etiquette Foundation to name a few.
Featuring a talented line up of artists that cover Soul, Reggae, Indie, Pop, Ghazal,
Tabla, Sitar and Nasheed.
This promises to be a fantastic afternoon promoting the diverse cultures and
community through inspirational lyrics and music to suit all.
For more information please contact Rizwan Iqbal, Creative Director, The Love and
Etiquette Foundation
M. 07870 100590
FREE ADMISSION
Tickets are only available to collect from the Preston Guild Hall Box Office
Box office is open Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 5:30pm
Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council was established in 1968 to
promote good community relations among and between the citizens of the area it
covers. In 2008 Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council celebrated forty
years of its achievements and its services to local communities. Since its inception,
Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council has played a major role in
promoting and sustaining harmonious community relations, community cohesion and
campaign for equality and justice for all. Over the years Preston & Western Lancashire
Racial Equality Council secured numerous external funding to do research and
developmental work, which then main streamed into public and private sector. The
Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council also helped many young
unemployed and graduates to practice their chosen field, who at the end found long
term employment.
“It is our ambition to build on our last 45 years success of achieving tolerant and
cohesive communities in our proud city. These three days of events will help to lay the
foundation of our future generations where everyone will live and prosper regardless of
their ethnicity. We want everyone to enjoy and share our common goal of unity and a
just society”. Mr. M. Rahman, JP Chair of Preston & Western Lancashire Racial
Equality Council
”It's great to book these artists from such diverse musical backgrounds who combine
the same concise, understated, lyrical insight and wit with class and prowess. This
event is much needed to bridge the gap of misunderstanding in our communities
through a creative platform everyone can enjoy” - Rizwan Iqbal, Creative Director,
The Love & Etiquette Foundation
"During this imaginative three day event we will join with others across the world in
overcoming racial prejudice with UN Anti-Racism day falling on 22 March.
At a time of economic difficulties and falling living standards many place the blame for
this on people they consider different to themselves. The ‘Standing Together Against
Racism’ festival will nurture a spirit of love, tolerance and respect to celebrate our
differences and encourage a feeling of togetherness across the whole community in
Preston.
It will also be a great deal of fun culminating in a free concert at Preston Guild Hall for
everyone to come and enjoy." - Matthew Brown, Preston City Council's Cabinet
Member for Community Engagement and Inclusion.
Organisers, artists and musicians will be available for phone or face to face
interview. Please contact Rizwan Iqbal to set up a time that is convenient.
Rizwan Iqbal - 07870 100590
FURTHER LINKS
Facebook link - Standing Together Against Racism Preston
Twitter link - @starfestpreston
Website link - www.loveEtiquette.com
Details are correct at the time of print and release.
