A new festival, coming in mid-September, celebrates the power of people to make human rights a reality. Ripples of Hope will feature local and international voices discussing the challenges we face as communities and as humanity. Tickets are on sale now for the five-day event which will take place primarily at HOME, with additional activities across Greater Manchester. A large number of eminent opinion leaders are confirmed to be taking part, either in person or via the internet.
Complimentary passes are available to community groups and non-profit organisations in Greater Manchester on a first-come-first-served basis via this link. Below are five of the best events…
Among the many dignitaries taking part, Mrs. Clinton is surely the biggest name. She will be joining the event virtually, and whilst the full details of her contribution haven’t yet been confirmed, you can be sure she will draw from her many experiences as First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State and presidential candidate. She has a long association with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights – the organisers of the festival.
A key thread of the event is the power of poetry to provoke and inspire – and as such it features three evening galas in which a new body of work will be unveiled. Simon Armitage CBE, the UK Poet Laureate, has convened leading talents to create a response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Taking part will be Manchester-based voices, including Keisha Thompson and the spoken word collective Young Identity.
The Man United and England footballer has also made a name for himself as a social justice campaigner. Most famously, he helped support children in the local area who were no longer receiving free school meals and successfully lobbied the government to change its food poverty policy. The human rights activist, Kerry Kennedy, will present Marcus with the Festival’s inaugural Next Generation Award, in honour of this advocacy for young people.
The concept of breaking bread and the cultural expression of food are key to the festival’s ethos. So the organisers are inviting people and local groups to host ‘Community Feasts’. It’s hoped that the meals will create spaces for individuals to come together and have breakthrough conversations. The aim is to help different people connect with one another and strengthen the bonds of communities – especially the marginalised ones.
www.ripplesofhopefestival.org
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Mon 13 Sep 2021
Over the course of three days, there will be speeches, conversations, workshops and performances. You’ll hear from a wide variety of contributors, with notable guests such as the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson; gay rights activist Peter Tatchell; and writer Sabeena Akhtar. You’ll be able to add your own voice, too. The discussions will be centred on many varied themes, including modern day slavery, gender rights and ethical economic growth.