THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, is calling on local people to take the opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage by supporting the many events taking place during Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week.

The programme will run from September 28th – October 4th and this year’s theme is ‘One Place, Many People’.

Mayor McCallion was speaking at the official launch which took place today at the Garden of Reflection in the DiverseCity Partnership Building.

Community and ethnic groups across the city will be staging a whole host of events to highlight the many cultures and traditions practiced throughout the district, and the Mayor would like everyone to show their support.

“I am delighted to launch the programme today and to see so many groups from such a diversity of ethnic backgrounds participating in this year’s events. The week provides the opportunity for people here to learn and understand more about the different cultures that make up such a large part of our local community.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in some of the many events and I want to encourage everyone to join in the festivities and celebrate the diversity which makes our city such a great place to live.”

Community relations officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Angela Askin, said the week of events promoted acceptance and understanding amongst all local communities.

“In understanding and taking account of other cultures we learn to build the mutual respect that the community needs to thrive and grow. The events taking place next week offer people a great way of being part of that process.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said: “There is one message that we hope everyone will get from the Week: Nothing about the future can be taken for granted.

“The job of learning to live peacefully is not yet done and if we want this place to be positive and inclusive, we all have to play a part in making it so at village, town, city and regional levels.

“It is very encouraging to see the variety of events taking place this year involving people of all ages and backgrounds. There are performances, sporting events, discussions, workshops and launches of new books and resources.

“Public bodies, sports clubs, schools, churches, charities and community groups are all taking part and with a shared goal of making this a place of understanding, hospitality and welcome for strangers as well as for friends.”

Among the events scheduled to take place during the week are a celebration of Filipino Traditions, ‘Hot Potatoes’ Cafe Culture Style Conferences, along with many other interesting training courses and networking events.

All details on community relations week events can be found at www.derrystrabane.com