More than 300 people took to the streets of Newcastle to champion peace, unity and inclusion as the city joined a global movement promoting understanding across communities.
The annual Peace Walk 2026, held on 16 June, also marked the start of Refugee Week and formed part of the international Race for Peace initiative, bringing together residents, faith groups, community organisations and civic leaders in a powerful show of solidarity.
This year’s event carried added significance as participants commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 16 June, 1976, when South African schoolchildren protested against apartheid and hundreds lost their lives in the fight for equality, justice and human rights.
Walkers gathered at Newcastle Civic Centre, where they were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher, who officially opened the event before cutting the ribbon to begin the walk.
Leading the procession were young people from across the region, joined by civic and community leaders including the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lucy Winskell OBE, the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, Amar Mirza OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth, faith representatives and local residents.
The route took participants through Newcastle city centre before concluding at Exhibition Park, creating a visible demonstration of the city’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and community cohesion.
The day’s celebrations continued at Wylam Brewery with a family-friendly programme featuring children’s activities, international cuisine and a Concert for Peace showcasing local musicians, singers, dancers and spoken-word performers.
Among those addressing the gathering were Lucy Winskell OBE, Amar Mirza OBE, Councillor Henry Gallagher, Susan Dungworth, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Penny-Evans, David Faulkner, Brenda Dinsdale of Newcastle Reform Synagogue and Mohammed Roziur Rahman, Chaplain to the High Sheriff.
The concert featured performances from X Factor finalist Jamilah, Raj and the Dholi Drummers, poet Tahmina Ali, Spice of South Dancers, Sing United Choir, Sur Taal Indian Instrumental, Play for Peace Turkish Band, Anahad Instrumental Sounds and Bollywood singer RV Narang.
The event was organised by Race for Peace in partnership with Youth Charter and delivered through a collaboration involving Diversity Hub,
the North of England Refugee Service, faith organisations, community groups, volunteers and local artists.
Monjer Rashid, Newcastle Peace Walk Coordinator, said the event highlighted the city’s strong commitment to unity and understanding.
“It was inspiring to see so many people come together to walk for peace, friendship and understanding. The participation of young people, community organisations, faith groups and civic leaders demonstrated the strength of Newcastle’s commitment to inclusion and cohesion.
“As we marked Refugee Week and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, we reflected on the importance of standing together against division and creating opportunities for future generations.”
Peace Walk 2026 forms part of the wider Race for Peace movement, founded 30 years ago by Newcastle’s Tim Cantle-Jones, who has spent decades building links between the North East and South Africa through sport and cultural exchange.
This year, Race for Peace events were held across nine countries and four UK cities, continuing a movement that began in 1994 with the endorsement of the late South African President Nelson Mandela during the country’s transition to democracy.
Today, the initiative includes peace walks, fun runs, educational programmes and international school partnerships linking young people across Africa, Europe, Asia and the United Kingdom.
Funds raised through the events will support the Ubuntu Network, an international education and youth exchange programme inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – helping young people build friendships and understanding across cultures and borders.
Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle and human rights campaigner Habib Rahman praised the turnout.
“It was wonderful to see people from so many different backgrounds, communities and faiths come together in a spirit of peace, friendship and solidarity. At a time when there are many challenges across the world, events such as Peace Walk remind us that we have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Organisers said the timing of the event during Refugee Week reinforced the importance of welcoming communities, supporting those seeking sanctuary and promoting understanding between people of different backgrounds and experiences.
