A new Peace Festival is taking place in Warwick this weekend.
The two-day event at St Mary’s Warwick invites residents, visitors, schools and local organisations to come together in a shared celebration of peace, diversity and collective action.
Designed as a positive antidote to the overwhelming sense of despair that many feel in the face of global challenges − from the climate crisis to conflict and injustice − the Warwick Festival of Peacebuilding aims to spotlight the power of local communities to inspire change.
On Friday 8th a panel discussion featuring experts on a diverse range of important issues including climate, social equality, disabled rights, sustainable housing and ethnic equality will answer questions from youth representatives from across the region.
On Saturday, the Festival moves outdoors to the College Garden behind St Mary’s, transforming the space into a vibrant hub of activity. Local groups working for justice, sustainability and community wellbeing − both in Warwick and around the world − will showcase their projects and invite visitors to get involved.
The day will feature:
* Community stalls and interactive displays
* Performances and live music
* Peace talks and informal conversations
* Creative activities for all ages
* Opportunities to take small, practical steps toward a more peaceful future
Children from local schools have worked hard to produce their own Peace Trees, putting their own stamp on the event’s logo. These will be situated around the College Garden on the day, reminding us at every turn of the imporance of finding peace and harmony for future generations.
Younger visitors will also get the chance to win their own Peace Bear − and learn a little about action for peace − by visiting stalls and asking a simple set question relating to each organisation.
Vicar of St Mary’s, Reverend Canon Angus Aagaard, said:
“On Saturday 9th May, the College Garden will feature a whole community of people. We’ve got seventeen stalls, from Quakers to Justice for Palestinians, to Amnesty International, to all sorts of fantastic groups. There will be refreshments for all the family, fun for all the family; speakers, performers and poetry, and a real chance to celebrate what’s really important in our community, which is about being of a people of peace.”
Find out more about the Peace Festival here.
