A DEMONSTRATION of 'friendship' and 'solidarity' amid 'challenging times' took place at a multi-faith concert.

Warrington Council of Faiths organised the free Sounds of Faith concert, which was held in the Barton Theatre at Warrington and Vale Royal College, on Winwick Road, last Wednesday.

Performances were carried out by members of the Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Islamic faith groups – in front of more than 150 people.

Warrington Council of Faiths chairman Afthkar Quayyum felt that the event was an 'opportunity to celebrate our shared values'.

He said: "All of us want to contribute to peace and justice for all.

"Each of the major faiths demonstrated the importance of spirituality and worship through singing, dancing and music, hence the title Sounds of Faith.

"We live in challenging times and the week offers a wonderful opportunity to create and demonstrate friendship and solidarity, as well as to learn about different faiths and beliefs of other people you share your daily life with.

"Furthermore, it offers an opportunity for volunteers to work with people of other faiths on projects to help and support their communities."

The event was held during national Inter Faith Week, which ended on Sunday.

Mr Quayyum added: "Inter Faith Week has been held annually since its inception in 2009 and we at Warrington have been involved in staging various events over the years.

"The week also allows volunteers to work with people from other faiths on projects to help and support their communities.

"We do various activities throughout the year but, as part of Inter Faith Week, we aim to organise a bigger programme.

"This year we thought we would move away from the traditional format of speeches, debates and question and answer forums to do something different.

"We are committed to fostering a greater understanding between the different religions and beliefs.

"We also want to thank the team here at Warrington and Vale Royal College for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities to host the event."

The three aims of Inter Faith Week are to strengthen relations at all levels, increase awareness of the different faith communities in the UK and to increase the understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.

For further information visit interfaithweek.org.