People of all cultures and backgrounds gathered in Worcester on Saturday (21 September) to mark the International Day of Peace.
The Worcester City Council supported event was the first of its kind in the city and was held alongside similar gatherings across the world.
Held in Cathedral Square, the event included singing by choirs from different cultures, along with poems and speeches.
Participants also joined a global minute of silence before laying candlelights and flowers to mark the occasion.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott, was one of the dignitaries who spoke at the event.
She said: “It was lovely to see so many people thinking about and focusing on peace in Worcester.
“I am very proud that in our city we come together, build bridges across our communities and spread the message of love, not hate.”
Prior to the event a mural, to signify peace in Worcester, was painted at Cripplegate Park by members of Worcester Paint Festival.
The mural, which remains in place, incorporates a dove and olive branch – to symbolise peace – and the world in different sets of hands combined.
The City Council also hosted a Faith Conference on Saturday, attended by representatives of different faiths and beliefs.
Worcester City Council’s Deputy Leader and Communities Committee Chair, Councillor Jabba Riaz added: “Thank you to everybody who attended and contributed to making the first Peace Day in Worcester a success.
“There has never been a better time to come together and unite in a call for peace across the world.
“It was brilliant to see people uniting on Peace Day under the umbrella of humanity.
“The event reflected the City Council’s objective of bringing together communities of all faiths and backgrounds.”
