North East To Celebrate World Peace

People from around the North East are being invited to take part in a major celebration to mark World Peace Day later this month. And the event includes the opportunity to link up worldwide as part of a global meditation led locally by Hebburn’s Dhammakaya Buddhist monks at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. World Peace Tyneside has been set up to mark World Peace Day on September 21, with a programme of free events taking place in and around the Gateshead side of the Tyne. The aim of the day is to promote peace not just internationally but on a much more local level, bringing people together to participate in a range of activities. A whole host of activities involving dance, music, prayer and song have been lined up throughout the day along with a screening of World Peace animations – created by two workshops run at Newcastle’s Star and Shadow Cinema. The animations will run at the Stepney Bank cinema at 7pm on the day. Other events include a full free programme at Sage Gateshead concourse of music-related activities including Noizechoir and a Sound Lounge. St Mary’s Heritage Centre has been designated a Peace Healing Zone during the day, with a range of international and regional practitioners carrying out energy healing and Reiki drum healing. “This is the first time that the North East has played a really active part in World Peace Day and we want to try and get as many people and organisations as possible involved,” said Risaria Langley, one of the organisers of the event. “This is about peace in all of its contexts, from what’s happening worldwide to what is happening on our doorsteps and we can all play a part.” Co-organiser Christine Peek said that the aim was “to create an interdenominational event which will be for people of all ages.” “We’ve been really heartened by all the support and interest and we hope people will now take part and make this a day to remember,” she said. “ Our plan is to bring together groups of all faiths and beliefs for a memorable occasion where we will be very much part of a worldwide audience who will also be marking this special day.” A number of events on the day are ticketed as numbers are limited. They include the sessions at St Mary's Heritage Centre (4-7pm) Riverside and the world peace meditation at BALTIC Centre For Contemporary Art (8-9pm) All ticketed events can be booked  at www.eventbrite.co.uk. The full programme for the day is available at www.worldpeacetyneside.com