“INCREASE THE PEACE” PROJECT LAUNCHED IN GLOUCESTER
27 February 2008
A project involving talented young musicians from Gloucester is to be launched in the city this weekend.
“Increase the Peace” is an initiative by young people from Star 66 youth club in Gloucester, which aims to increase community spirit and promote the positive side of urban music by getting them to put their feelings on crime and anti-social behaviour down in music.
They have recorded and produced an “Increase the Peace” CD, which goes on sale at HMV in Gloucester and Zavvi in Cheltenham this weekend and costs £5.
To celebrate the release, artists from the CD will be performing tracks live in Kingswalk Shopping Centre, Gloucester, on Saturday 1st March between 11.30am and 3pm.
There is also an official “Increase the Peace” launch party on Saturday 1st March at Chequers Bridge in Gloucester. The party starts at 7.30 and will include live music and a performance from Bristol-based breakers “Foot Soldiers featuring DJ Fade”. Tickets will be £1 on the door.
Delroy Ellis, Star 66 youth worker said the project has been a great success:
“We want to make people aware that young people in Gloucester are doing lots of positive things that need to be celebrated. We have made a CD which promotes peace and togetherness and which doesn’t involve all the clichés that are associated with urban music.”
Chief Inspector Roger Clayton said of the launch of the project:
“We are fortunate here in Gloucester that we don’t experience the worrying gun and knife culture that is sadly so prevalent in other towns and cities. However, there is absolutely no room for complacency and it is vital that we engage with our young people so we can discuss such issues in an environment of trust and mutual respect. “Increase the Peace” is a first class example of youth engagement and the Constabulary fully endorses its aims.”
“Increase the Peace” has been funded by Gloucestershire Crimebeat, Gloucestershire Police, Gloucester City Homes and Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, with Severn Sound providing production assistance.