A celebration of diversity is set to take place in Kenilworth on Saturday, February 18 at Talisman shopping centre.

A group of local people are taking part in One Day Without Us – a national day which will celebrate the contribution migrants make to British society and coincides with the UN World Day of Social Justice on February 20.

The event in Kenilworth will raise awareness about this day and celebrate the contribution of migrants in the area. Volunteers will be setting up a stall at Talisman and will be handing out literature to all those interested, which is intended to dispel myths and misinformation about migrants in the UK.

Kenilworth is just one of many local communities taking part in activities all over the country in support of the peace promoting national event.

Activities taking place at the shopping centre include flag themed face painting, along with the opportunity to make your mark on a world map to show where you, your ancestors, friends and neighbours come from.

Monkey Whispers, a Coventry based duo, will be providing live music throughout the day.

There will be a migrant authors’ book display at Kenilworth Books, and Treehouse Bookshop will be a place of meeting and friendly space for the community to come together.

The event is run entirely by volunteers who include people from Spain, Germany, France and the UK.

Claire Stern, one of the organisers of the event, said:

“We’re really looking forward to spending the day engaging with local people and talking about the fact that we are a diverse nation.

“We want a public celebration to show that we are better together and to recognise the contribution migrants make to British society.”

Dorothea Schaefer, who is also among the volunteers holding the event, added:

“This day is all about positivity and peace. It is an event for everyone, whether you are born in the UK or outside it, whether you are descended from immigrants or not.

“We’re here to highlight the huge, positive impact migrants have on our country and promote solidarity in the community.”

For more information about One Day Without Us, and to find out about other events taking place visit www.1daywithoutus.org or search #1daywithoutus.

To speak to the organisers of the event in Kenilworth contact Clare on 07752 710 920 or make contact through twitter @Odwu_kenilworth.