Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists performed at Halton Borough Council and partners’ annual event celebrating diversity in Halton, which took place on Thursday. Hundreds enjoyed the Widnes event.

Stemming from an idea from Halton Youth Cabinet, Halton Against Hate is now in its second year, last year’s took place in Runcorn. And organisers MD Productions performed in the town centre to acclaim.

There was also a girl group, samba band, singers, dancers, speakers and stalls, all which got a positive response from shoppers, people on their lunch break and children on their half term break.

Halton MP Derek Twigg and Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury came along, supporting the event. Halton’s Mayor, Cllr Alan Lowe, Council Leader Cllr Rob Polhill and Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, Cllr Tom McInerny were among councillors attending.

And there was even a speech from former Manchester City footballer, now comedian and born again Christian Charlie Hale.

The event sought to celebrate equality as well as draw attention to hate crime and hate crime reporting.

It also saw stalls from a wide variety of organisations including Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (which both brought rainbow vehicles along) , GLOW LGBT+ Youth group, Halton Speak Out, Unison and many more.

There was even a Snapchat filter set up for the day which anyone in the area taking pictures had the option to download.

HAH has been supported by Halton Borough Council and Unison and a wide range of groups across Halton and beyond, have contributed.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: Having attended the event I was really impressed by the way all those in attendance were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic in getting the message of the event out to members of the public.

“What really came across was that people were listening becoming enthused and were prepared to pass the message on, they were picking up leaflets, badges and stickers to pass on to family members and friends. The overwhelming attitude of people was that Halton and its people are against Hate.

“Congratulations to all those who organised and took part in the event and who ensured the publicity for the day.”

Halton’s Member of the Youth Parliament, Ewan Jago, said: “After recent tragic events there has been a shocking increase in hate crime, not just in Britain but worldwide and it’s about time to make a change.

“We as a borough alone cannot change the world but we can ignite the flame.”

David Owen from UNISON’s Halton branch said: “It was a great opportunity to promote a positive message of hope in Halton and we will certainly want to be involved with initiatives in the future.

“A message of inclusion and community is central to our work in Halton UNISON and we recognise that combining with other local organisations opposing Hate is essential to achieve that aim”

For more information about Young Addaction Halton and the UK Youth Parliament in Halton, or to arrange an interview with any member of Halton Youth Cabinet, please contact Phil McClure on phil.mcclure@addaction.org.uk, tel: 01928 240406

Young Addaction organise UK Youth Parliament in Halton on behalf of Halton’s Children’s Trust and Halton Council as part of an on-going commitment to improve opportunities for all children and young people living in the borough.

Here are some of the organisations which took part.

• Halton Borough Council
• Safer Halton Partnership
• Unison Halton Branch
• Green Oaks Shopping Centre
• Asylum Link
• Halton Housing Trust
• The Studio Widnes
• MD Productions
• The Day Services Samba Band
• Halton Speak Out
• The young people from GLOW LGBT+ group
• Widnes Baptist Church
• Light & Soul Events
• Cheshire Police
• Cheshire Fire and Rescue

The Snapchat filter set up on the day for £8 got a 1,352 reach