Artist Trixta promoting a non violent and peace-filled message, with his fresh, funky upbeat feel engaged the people with his performace at the Peace One Day Event in Whatman Park, Maidstone on the 12th September 2009.

Trixta at Peace One Day - Maidstone

Peace One Day was brought to us by Maidstone Youth Forum, on Saturday 12th September, in Whatman Park, Maidstone. Beautiful sunshine, live music, guest artists and DJ's...what better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than celebrating and supporting Peace One Day in Whatman Park.

This year people of all faiths and backgrounds came together to support Peace One Day, experiencing some of the finest talent in local music. Unsigned acts from surrounding areas showed their support by performing their music, uniting to support a day of international peace.

The celebrations kicked off at 1pm and Whatman Park began to fill. Flocks of teenagers, friends and families filled the park and the atmosphere was buzzing. Poppy Wilson was the first of the live acts, followed by Potential Difference and the Fifteens . Memory Block began to set the standard with their unique two piece acoustic rap combo. These talented young guys left the audience pleasantly surprised and ready for more.

Early afternoon saw every body making use of the free games, inflatable slides and graffiti workshops available. Other performances included Tempest Love, Cynthia Mare, Fred Clarke, Fireye and Circleline

By the end of an afternoon packed full of live music, special guest Trixta supported by DJ Ripper, performed a live set of exclusive unreleased tracks. From the minute Trixta took to the stage the crowd began to unite and come forward, the atmosphere rocketed and the energy soared. People were singing, smiling, laughing and dancing together. Promoting a non violent and peace-filled message, Trixta's fresh, funky upbeat feel engaged the people and was responsible for giving the people attending Peace One Day a true performance.


Speeches were made by Nikki Brooker, Youth Engagement Consultant, encouraging people to "Be the change you wish to see". Nikki, along with the young people of Maidstone and with the support of Maidstone Borough Council, set up Maidstone Youth Forum in 1997. As a result of this, Nikki met Jeremy Giller founder of Peace One Day, and became the first young person in the UK to be running events, ensuring people, especially young people, are aware of the day.

Film maker Jeremy Giller launched Peace Day to create a starting point to promote peace. His efforts have established the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non violence. Within two years, 192 member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted 21 September as an annual day of ceasefire and non violence, known as the UN International Day of Peace. By 2012 they aim to introduce 3 billion people to Peace One Day. This Day engages all sectors of society regardless of race, age, nationality or gender. It’s looking for anyone who is willing to stand up for peace including governments, organisations, businesses and individuals to encourage action on Peace One Day to create a united and sustainable world.

Halima Moin, a previous member of the Youth Parliament for Kingston upon Thames, also took to the stage highlighting why youth participation is so important and how it can make such a difference to people's lives. Halima delivered the message of Peace One Day to Maidstone to not only create peace between nations; but promoting non violence in our homes, communities and schools. Making Peace One Day beneficial and relevant to each and everyone of us.

By 2007, the UN estimated that over 100 million people actively supported Peace One Day around the world. At the same time, this Day managed to secure conditions so mass vaccination could be carried out in some of the most remote areas of Afghanistan, reaching 1.4 million children. The following year in 2008, and additional 1.6 million were treated. That means around 3 million children in one country alone. On one day alone.

This year on the 21st of September millions of people round the world will mark Peace One Day in whatever way they can. Peace One Day activities around the world include vaccination campaigns, peace walks, debates, prayer ceremonies, exhibitions, events and live music.

This event on was organised by members of the Maidstone Youth Forum with support from Maidstone Borough Council and funding from Kent Youth Service and the Youth Opportunities Fund.

For more info go to www.peaceoneday.org
To see the day at Whatmans Park go to www.maidstoneyouthforum.com
Contact: iam@nikkibrooker.com
TRIXTA - www.myspace.com/triktrik

Words and Pictures By Jessie Barry