11:20am Monday 6th July 2009
Faiths and cultures were celebrated with music, song and dance in a day of festivities.
The event, called Spirit of Bolton, was organised by the Bolton Interfaith Council.
I was part of an eight-week celebration called The One Bolton Festival, which aims to strengthen community ties.
Music from the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Pipe Band signalled the start of Saturday’s event in Victoria Square.
It was officially opened by The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Norman Critchley, with a prayer by Katie Openshaw, aged seven, from Little Lever. The audience enjoyed a day of entertainment including a Peace Rap by the children of Mytham School in Little Lever. Their lyrics were inspired by John Lennon Art and crafts in different cultures was also celebrated, such as henna painting and creative lettering.
Marcus Warburton, aged 33, who attended the event, said: “It is important to celebrate Bolton’s diversity and its people. There was a good atmosphere.”
Jay Patel from the Hindu Forum said: “The only difference is the colour of our skin. Apart from that, there is no difference.”
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