York Celebrates Difference during Hate Crime Awareness Week

The event, which will be held on Saturday 15 October 2016, from 10am to 5pm in St Sampson’s Square in York’s city centre, is a unique opportunity for residents, local organisations, students and visitors to our city to engage with other people of all backgrounds and be part of promoting York as a tolerant and welcoming city.

Launched by a partnership of organisations in the city including, York St John University, City of York Council, University of York, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Make it York, York Celebrates Difference will be a day of positive community interaction, brought to life with a programme of diverse music, including Yiddish folk band The Klezmernauts and the Bramble Napskins. All are welcome to come along and be part of an occasion that celebrates the cultural differences in the city of York.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University says:

“York is a cosmopolitan city; it is a City of Sanctuary, a UNESCO Media Arts City, and a place that offers welcome and hospitality to all who visit and all who choose to make this their home. This day gives us an opportunity to make our inclusivity and celebration of difference visible across the City and, as a values-led University community, we are delighted to be part of this exciting and important initiative”.

This week (8-15 October) marks the 5^th annual National Hate Crime Awareness Week and now more than ever is a time to acknowledge the differing ethnic and cultural mix in our city and to stand together as a community. Seeds will be distributed at the event to ‘sow the seeds of peace’ and volunteers are welcome.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism at City of York Council says: “City of York Council is committed to actively promoting the values of equality & diversity. The council is proud to be partner of this city-wide event, celebrating cultural diversity in York. We are dedicated to making our services, facilities and resources accessible and responsive to all the people and communities of York”.

As a finale to this day of celebration, York St John University will showcase an illuminated message of welcome onto the front of its Lord Mayor’s Walk campus buildings.

For more information go to http://www.celebratedifferences.org/ or contact events@yorksj.ac.uk