No to Hate Vigil

This evening saw the 5th No to Hate Vigil to remember victims of hate crime everywhere, in Chapelfield Gardens in the centre of Norwich. About 100 people gathered to hear short, inspirational speeches; songs from the Pride choir and observe 2 minutes silence at 8pm.

The park was decorated with candles in jars, coordinated by my friend Edith, and people brought along candles of their own to hold throughout the event. The full moon also added some magic to the evening, and the owners of a local pub kindly brought along hot soup to give to people as it was a little chilly.

The Vigil coincided with ones in Trafalgar Square and across the country. The first Candle-lit Vigil Against Hate Crime was organised in 2009 when Ian Baynham was murdered in a homophobic attack in Trafalgar Square. Our thoughts are with Ian's family and friends.

This year there was also a special focus on victims of hate crime in Russia and the 76 countries where homosexuality is illegal.

I sang with the choir as well as taking photos of the event.