Rochdale Peace Day countdown

The Borough of Rochdale makes history on Thursday 21 September when it hosts the UK's first official observance of the UN Peace Day.  The event will feature a variety of events including a 'Peace Parade' with over 500 schoolchildren from over 50 schools.  The event has captured the imagination of the people of Rochdale and each school has made a 'Peace Dove' that they will be displaying at the parade.  There will then be two minutes silence to observe the day at the Town's Cenotaph, this will be followed by a Peace Rally in Rochdale Town Hall.

Special Guests at the event include Colin Parry OBE, peace campaigner and father of Warrington bomb victim Tim Parry.  Karen Davies, a senior member of the United Nations with special involvement in the United Nation's Information Centre.  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the classic original car from the film - seen as a symbol of safety for children across the world.  The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Jean Hornby and senior figures from all three political parties and John Farrington, TV Presenter, peace campaigner and one of the key organisers of the event.

John Farrington said: "This will an extra special day and hopefully towns and cities across the UK will sit up and take notice of our event.  It has taken many months to organise but I am sure we will all be proud of the event.  Rochdale will come alive with the youth of the town with one thing in mind - peace.  We have introduced some fun with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and I can't thank the Education Department of Rochdale Council enough for their help."

The 'Peace Rally' will feature the guest speakers, and the children of Rochdale will sing the Peace Anthem.  Karen Davies will be reading a special message from the United Nations General Secretary, Kofi Annan, and there will be a video about the event made by local TV Production Company Sleepwalker Films.