Dancing in the face of racism at community celebration

The third Preston Standing Together Against Racism celebration took place in the Flag Market, including music, dance, stalls and speeches.

Faruk Desai, of Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality and Diversity Council, said the event was a showcase of events from across the community, designed to stamp out racism.

He said: “This is the third year. It came about as a result of an idea from local councillor Matthew Brown, who had aspirations to organise a group music event to stamp out attitudes of racism and prejudice.

“As a result of that, a group of organisations all got together and started thinking what can be done.

“The first year we had the community event and a choir, last year we had the local schools’ choir in the Charter Theatre and the community day event on the Flag Market.

“This year five schools from Lancashire took part in the choir at 53 Degrees, and Saturday was the open day for the community to come to celebrate and for the partners to showcase what they are doing to stamp out racism in the city.

“There were stalls and organisations showcasing the kind of things they do, with activities like African dance, European dance, music events and people were able to join in and enjoy themselves and take the message seriously.”