Crowds flock to second annual diversity festival
HUNDREDS flocked to an annual event in Widnes celebrating diversity in Halton. Stemming from an idea from Halton Youth Cabinet, Halton Against Hate (HAH) is now in its second year.
Last year’s event took place in Runcorn as organisers and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists MD Productions performed in Widnes town centre to acclaim.
There was also a girl group, samba band, singers, dancers, speakers and stalls, all which received a positive response from shoppers, people on their lunch break and children on their half term break.
Halton and Weaver Vale MPs Derek Twigg and Mike Amesbury came along to support the event.
Cllrs Alan Lowe and Rob Polhill – the borough’s mayor and council leader respectively – attended.
Cllr Tom McInerney, executive board member for children, young people, and families also attended while there was a speech from former Manchester City footballer, now comedian and born again Christian Charlie Hale.
The event sought to celebrate equality as well as draw attention to hate crime and hate crime reporting.
Cllr McInerney said: “Having attended the event I was really impressed by the way all those in attendance were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic in getting the message of the event out to members of ● the public.
“What really came across was that people were listening becoming enthused and were prepared to pass the message on, they were picking up leaflets, badges and stickers to pass on to family members and friends.
“The overwhelming attitude of people was that Halton and its people are against hate.
“Congratulations to all those who organised and took part in the event and who ensured the publicity for the day.”
There were stalls from a wide variety of organisations including Cheshire police, Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service, GLOW LGBT youth group, Halton Speak Out, Unison and many more.
There was even a Snapchat filter set up for the day which anyone in the area taking pictures had the option to download.
HAH has been supported by Hal- ● ton Borough Council and Unison and a wide range of groups across Runcorn, Widnes and beyond have contributed.
Halton’s Member Of Youth Parliament Ewan Jago said: “After recent tragic events there has been a shocking increase in hate crime, not just in Britain but worldwide and it’s about time to make a change.
“We as a borough alone cannot change the world but we can ignite the flame.”
David Owen from Unison’s Halton branch added: “It was a great opportunity to promote a positive message of hope in Halton and we will certainly want to be involved with initiatives in the future.
“A message of inclusion and community is central to our work in Halton Unison and we recognise that combining with other local organisations opposing hate is essential to achieve that aim.” ● ●