UCLan Creative Communities Group supports annual event
The annual events will mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Commonwealth celebrations, and both events are part of the Lancashire Commonwealth Celebrations 2018. This is the fifth year that they have been held in Preston.
Both events are organised by the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Creative Communities Group (CCGUK), Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council, Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, and the Black and Minority Ethnic Forum. The events are also supported by a wide range of community groups.
The first event, hosted by the UCLan CCGUK members, is a performance by the Standing Together Against Racism Choir. It will take place on Friday 16 March at UCLan’s Venue 53 in Preston from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
The choir is made up of pupils from Moor Park High School and Brownedge St Mary's Schools, who are lending their voices on a mission to celebrate diversity and oppose racism.
This performance will be attended by guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Rt Hon the Lord Shuttleworth KG, KCVO, County Councillor Susie Charles, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools and Councillor Matthew Brown, Preston City Council's Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Inclusion and Policy.
"UCLan and Preston are very proud of our long-standing reputation of combating and highlighting racism, stigma and discrimination and it's great to see the STAR event taking place in the city again this year."
Veronica Afrin, Chair of Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council, and Julie Ward MEP for the North West of England will also attend the event.
Young people from Preston will also be speaking about anti-racism at the concert.
Nigel Farnworth, UCLan CCGUK manager, said: “This is the third year that we have hosted the event here at the University and we will again be supported on the night by a number of our CCGUK members including, university staff, students, Honorary Fellows and community members.
“UCLan and Preston are very proud of our long-standing reputation of combating and highlighting racism, stigma and discrimination and it's great to see the STAR event taking place in the city again this year.”
The UCLan CCG members will also be supporting the international day on Saturday 24 March on Preston Flag Market. A range of community groups and organisations will come together to celebrate the city's cultural life with live music and performances. This event is free to attend.
Nigel Farnworth will act as the compère for the event, introducing the guest speakers and performances.
Councillor Matthew Brown, Preston City Council's cabinet member for social justice, inclusion and policy, said: "I am delighted we are again celebrating Preston's rich diversity with this year's STAR events. 2018 is the fifth year we have enjoyed these celebrations which involve many of our children and young people expressing themselves creatively about the kind of world they want to grow up in. With Brexit around the corner and continuing austerity it is essential we come together to ensure everyone especially children and young people feel included and safe.”
"2018 is the fifth year we have enjoyed these celebrations which involve many of our children and young people expressing themselves creatively about the kind of world they want to grow up in."
Mrs Veronica Afrin, Chair of Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council, said: "We are extremely pleased to support and co-ordinate the STAR event to celebrate the UN International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination. In addition to this celebration we are privileged to support the Commonwealth event to mark the global family of nations coming to the UK in April 2018.
"Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council continues to promote community cohesion and integration with its partners. Preston is a true multi ethnic and culturally harmonious city in which everyone is respected and treated fairly and justly.
“These celebrations are testimony to our achievements."
Nigel added: “I would like to also thank the University for again supporting the CCGUK members who are hosting the STAR event here at UCLan. The University has very kindly provided Venue 53 and technicians for the evening and Foster catering and hospitality have organised refreshments for the children on the night of the performance”.
For more information about the events, contact Faruk Desai at the Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council by calling 01772 906422 (Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 12 noon only) or email: faruk.desai@prestonrec.org.uk
There's no need to book tickets for these events, just turn up on the day.