Respect is the South West's biggest celebration of diversity west of Bristol, organised by Plymouth Racial Equality Council and supported by a partnership that includes education, community, the arts, Health Service, the Police and Fire Service. Barefoot organises and coordinates the spectacular Respect Parade that opens the main festival event each year at Plymouth Guildhall.

Above all else the event is fun, but it's also a fantastic chance for children and families to come together as citizens of Plymouth (and the world) and experience a mind-boggling array of cultures, including music, food and fashion.

Respect Festival Parade 2011
We wanted to involve as many schools, parents and community groups as possible and with support from Affinity Sutton Housing and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, we were able to offer free carnival costume and prop-making workshops on a first-come-first-served basis.

The colourful 'Fire and Heat' themed parade meandered through the centre of Plymouth on Sunday 30th October and included a samba band, Chinese dragons, dancing, a beautiful elephant (thanks to Beechwood and Oakwood Primaries, who also enjoyed African story-telling with Abi Alao) and vibrant costumes created by the schools with help from Stiltskin Creative Arts and Theatre Company. Parents and childen from the Barne Barton Arts Group paraded in colourful costumes created during their weekly arts club.

A BIG THANK YOU to all involved that help make the parade a great success.