A DIVERSITY walk, bands, dancers, scriptures and multi-cultural talks are all on the agenda as borough Mayor Councillor Joe Baker breaks with tradition for his civic reception.
Usually the annual event is centred on St Stephens Church but the Mayor wants a more inclusive event reflecting the make up of modern Redditch and so the event will take place in the town hall – and it promises to be some party.
“I want it to be a celebration of equality, diversity and acceptance,” said Coun Baker. “Normally we have the civic celebration in St Stephens Church but this year I wanted to make the service more accessible for everyone.”
It all takes place on Sunday, September 11 and will start with an open invitation for everyone and anyone to join a diversity walk from Bordesley Abbey leaving at 11am.
The aim is to stroll along with someone you might never have met before and to have a chat, exchange views and generally enjoy yourself.
The walk will conclude at the bandstand on Church Green when, at 11.45am, and led by a piper and the Chinese Lion, Coun Baker will lead the procession down to the town hall.
“I wanted to have a venue where everyone felt they could be included, it’s for those of faith and no faith,” said Coun Baker.
The town hall event will be largely by invitation only but will include Kerala dancers, the reading of scriptures, a multi-cultural talk on different faiths, poems from Poland, local young singers and readings from the Dalai Lama.
In addition candles will bee lit for those who have lost loved ones.
“It’s all about my personal vision of what I would likee life to be like – it’ll be a celebration of modern Redditch.”
