Derby Cultural Diversity Arts Network

Hello all,

I thought I'd get the ball rolling with this one again. I also mentioned this at the last meeting. I'd really like to organise a week-long series of events all over Derby, for St George's Day.

My reasons for this are, I would say, partly political: as some of you know, the BNP are holding a festival this August. Some people are organising events around that time as "an alternative", which to me seems a waste as no self-respecting BNP member would go to them anyway [just as we wouldn't go to their events!] - not to mention the fact that because of these actions that party has had more publicity.

My idea is to take the one day that is truly "English" - April 23rd next year - and use it to show the rich diversity of England. We can all organise small celebratory events where we live: we don't have to do anything in the city centre at all, instead focussing on the local communities. We have to be entirely inclusive.

Saint George's father was from Cappadocia [in Turkey: apparently in Persian it means "land of the beautiful horses"] and his mother was from Lod in Israel, even though some sources suggest he was born in Coventry.

Several countries and cities around the world celebrate it as well. There's a lot there in his life that we can use to build something really good. By concentrating on areas outside of town, then we can sustain it because those people will want to have a good time doing it. We could even make bunting!

I'd really appreciate any feedback or thoughts.