Faith talk highlight of Peace Festival

The event, now in its 35th year, was held at the Pump Room Gardens on Saturday and Sunday - and festival committee members and volunteers - who estimate that thousands of people attended - have hailed it as one of the best to date.

New this year, the Leamington and Warwick branch of the Ahmaddiyya Muslim Association organised an interfaith forum, which was hosted by Leamington poet George Hardwick and featured a discussion, broadcast live online, between representatives from Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Hindu organisations.

Speaking afterwards, George said: “The panel was able to discuss questions from online viewers and this gave the event a truly international feel.

“They say that to create lasting peace, we must act locally and think globally. Thanks to the wisdom of the participants and the astute questions from viewers, the Peace Festival was able to make its own unique contribution towards this noble goal.”

Dave Steele of the festival committee added: “It epitomised everything what the Peace Festival is about.”

This year the festival also laid a renewed emphasis on ethical and environmentally-sound workshops, activities and talks and there was a youth tent and more performances by local talents.

Members of the committee also said they were “delighted with the positive and enthusastic response”.

To watch the interfaith forum, visit www.khuddam.org.uk/live