Plymouth Respect Festival 2018!
After a two year break, the very popular Plymouth Respect Festival will be returning to the city.
Going back to its home roots of Plymouth Guildhall, the free event will showcase Plymouth’s diversity with a variety of performers, live music, street food, children’s activities and interactive information stands.
The famous respect parade will also return this year featuring props and costumes made by local school children and youth clubs from across the city.
A special initiative for the annual parade called “Respect Heroes” has been launched this year to help celebrate and mark 20 years since the first Plymouth Respect Festival.
Working with schools and community groups, the initiative helps recognise and pay homage to those in Plymouth and the wider South West who inspire others to aim higher and combat adversity.
Some heroes this year include local football legend Jack Leslie - one of the first black football players in England, Street Factory co-founder Toby Gorniak and Exeter born Michelin star super chef Michael Caines.
Kicking off at 10am, the parade will be accompanied by the UK’s favourite festival bhangra band, R.S.V.P.
The parade, band and bhangra workshops in local schools have all been funded by the community through Plymouth Racial Equality Council’s successful crowdfunder appeal.
Julie Paget, PDREC manager said: “We are committed to keeping Respect alive, the event plays an important role in our communities.
“It is an excellent opportunity for the city to come together and promote cohesion and the intrinsic message of respect and equality for all. “We are very excited for the return of the event and hope to see many of our diverse communities there.
“Plymouth Respect Festival would not have been possible without the help of all our amazing sponsors and the kind donations made in our crowdfunder appeal!”
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez commented: “I am delighted that my office has be able to help with the return one of Plymouth’s best loved festivals, both financially and through additional resources.
“Respect and diversity events play a key role in connecting communities as it allows people to learn about different cultures and subsequently breaks down the barriers of negative stereotypes.
“Plymouth is one of our most vibrant multi-cultural cities in the south west and Plymouth Respect Festival is an excellent opportunity for the whole city to come together to ensure that we build a society of acceptance and tolerance.”
