Peace goes ‘Back to the Future’

Peace Parade 2008

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“Give peace a chance” – that is the message from Rochdale Council and Peace Parade UK as they play host to the only official event in the UK in support of the United Nations Peace day.

This Sunday (21 September), local youth and community groups will welcome a series of high profile visitors to the town centre, including Colin Parry OBE, Nancy Dell’Olio, representatives from various parts of the United Nations and regional dignitaries.

The event begins at 11am as youngsters and community groups march with giant peace doves in a peace parade through Rochdale town centre. Crowds will then join millions across the globe to observe a minute of silence at Rochdale Cenotaph at 12 noon.

The DeLorean from the film ‘Back to the Future’ driven by owners and celebrity life coaches Nik and Eva Speakman will also lead vintage vehicles in a ‘rally for peace’ while Nancy Dell’Olio and Colin Parry OBE will be awarding trophies to winners of the ‘Kick a ball for Peace’ football tournament taking place on Saturday (20 September) at the Soccer Village in Rochdale from 12-6pm.

Colin Parry OBE will also read the winning poems from the Peace Poem Competition after winners have been previously judged by children’s Poet Laureate Michael Rosen.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Irene Davidson said: “We are extremely lucky to have such diverse and friendly communities here in the borough. Unfortunately not everyone in the world is as fortunate as us and by supporting this day of peace; we hope to ensure that our children understand more about the world around them and about the importance of peace, understanding and tolerance.”

Event organiser John Farrington from Peace Parade UK said: “Rochdale is still the only town in Britain that is formally observing UN Peace Day. We feel that at a time like this, educating our children about peace has never been more important. We want our young people to appreciate and understand the importance of living in a safe, tolerant environment without fear; sadly a situation many children across the globe cannot relate to.”