2013 Respect Festival - New festival format hosted at Plymouth University


A festival designed to promote respect and celebrate diversity across all areas of the community will take place at Plymouth University in 2013.

The University has agreed to host the next Plymouth Respect Festival, which is organised by the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council

Since its launch 14 years ago, the Festival has traditionally taken place every October, although it took a break in 2012. 

The two organisations are now working in partnership to examine how it can be expanded and enhanced in the coming years. 
Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University, said: “We are delighted to host the Plymouth Respect Festival and further develop its strong reputation and impact. Our staff and students make a hugely positive contribution to the cultural diversity of Plymouth, and a key opportunity here is to reach out and sustain mutual respect throughout our community. We look forward to continuing our work with the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council.”

Ann Wilkinson, Co-Director of the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council, added: “The REC has worked for many years to ensure the Plymouth Respect Festival has become an important event in the city’s calendar for highlighting diversity and celebrating differences. The new collaboration with Plymouth University will open up a whole range of innovative developments, which will undoubtedly breathe new life into a festival which Plymouth has embraced wholeheartedly over many years. The festival has been a tremendous force in the city and beyond, and as we enter this new era, we hope more partner agencies and people will join us and be inspired for the future.” 

In previous years, the festival has included parades in the city centre, live music, dancing and theatrical events, play activities, world food, information stands and many showcased events. 

The plan is for that to continue at suitable venues on the University campus and there will be a series of complementary events during the year. 

Discussions over the precise programme are ongoing, but it is hoped students from the University will in future play a larger part in the festival and that it would include related projects featuring the city’s primary and secondary schools.

The University’s public arts programme, Peninsula Arts, will also offer complementary scheduling of film and performance.

Further details will be posted in due course.

For more information email dan@plymouthrespectfestival.co.uk