For the first year since it’s inception Redbridge Easter Parade is to allow secular performances at their Easter Parade.
The Committee for the event held a long discussion last Thursday in which they agreed that the event which has always had only strictly Christian performances,
would open the door for wider groups to be involved.
The decision was made as the Christian Committee decided they wanted to use the event to build community cohesion, in the wake of the Westminster Terror
attack that led to the death of 5 people (including the perpetrator) and injured more then 50 other victims.
A one minutes silence will be held at 3pm on Easter Monday and an award and flowers will be presented to the Met Police in recognition of the wonderful
service they have given to our borough and London-wide, placing their lives at risk to keep Londoners safe.
The sacrifice of PC Keith Palmer, who despite having no weapon confronted terrorist Khalid Masood, reminds us of the dangers faced by our dedicated
police force and organiser’s wanted to show their appreciation.
During the day the High Commissioner of Pakistan or a high ranking officer, will also be visiting to remember the victims of the Gulshan Park
Bomb attack On Easter Day 2016. A minute silence will be held and will be attended by key figures from the Muslim Community and the Christian
community who were both affected by the terrible blast that took at least 75 lives and left 345 casualties.
On the day of the event, we will have a number of Christian bands, singers and dancers and will now also have a mix of Bhangra, hip hop, rap, twirlers
and drummers and other wide ranging performances.
A free bouncy castle will be provided for children and we will also be having a large number of community and commercial stalls for shoppers who are
interested in a more diverse taste, then what the borough usually offers. This will include henna and face-painting.
A prayer tent, healing tent, bible book stall, and many officers waiting to answer questions on the Christian faith will be available throughout the
event.
Partner organisations include: Ilford Asian Church, Ilford Seventh Day Adventist Church, Gateway Church, ECF Tamil Church, British Pakistani Christian
Association and Ilford Methodist Church.
