Preston schools lend their voices to anti-racist event

24 March 2016

UCLan and Lancashire County Council organise city’s choir gathering

Preston’s schoolchildren have used the power of music to celebrate diversity and deliver an anti-racism message at an event co-organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Lancashire County Council (LCC).

More than 130 pupils from Broughton High School, Ashton Community Science College, Our Lady's Catholic High School and Fulwood Academy formed the Standing Together Against Racism (STAR) choir to mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The choir sang out against racism led by musical director Joe Martin and musicians from More Music.

Hosted by UCLan’s 53 Degrees, students from Our Lady's Catholic High School and Ashton Community Sports College also gave a drama and dance performance and Preston Youth Council spoke about anti-racism.

"The Standing together against Racism event hosted by UCLan that I attended on Friday evening proved to be both a spectacular and amazing evening."

UCLan Pro Vice Chancellor Lynne Livesey commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome LCC and the Stand Together Against Racism initiative to the University. Russell Hogarth and his colleagues from the UCLan Creative Communities group (CCG) played a key role in helping to organise the event working alongside our University staff, students and community members.”

Lancashire County Councillor Yousuf Motala said: “The Standing together against Racism event hosted by UCLan that I attended on Friday evening proved to be both a spectacular and amazing evening.

“Members of the youth council, the schools and arts groups that took part all performed brilliantly and the evening was a great success. The event was a tremendous achievement by the organisers who included the University of Central Lancashire’s Creative Communities group, Lancashire County Council's Children and Young People’s Service, the Racial Equality Council, not forgetting all the children and their families who should all be applauded and acknowledged for their contributions."

"I sincerely hope that it will become an annual showcase event so that other towns and cities can learn from Preston's example and see that the people are united in their efforts to ensure that Lancashire remains a harmonious place to live."

"I sincerely hope that it will become an annual showcase event so that other towns and cities can learn from Preston's example and see that the people are united in their efforts to ensure that Lancashire remains a harmonious place to live, thrive and is a warm and welcoming place for all.”

UCLan CCG worked with Creative Network and Creativity Works Preston, which supports excluded young people between the ages of 14 to 16 who are not in full-time employment or are absent from education, to provide lighting, sound and technicians for the event.

The Standing Together Against Racism event is organised by Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council, Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and has the support of a wide range of community groups including UCLan.