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Posts Tagged With: Trafalgar Square

The 4th Candle Lit Vigil Against Hate Crime

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Mark

It’s that time of year again: Trafalgar Square in London becomes a sea of candles, comedy and choirs. Originally held in remembrance of Ian Baynham, a man who was kicked to death for holding his boyfriend’s hand in public, the Vigil is growing in prominence and has backing from celebrities, police and the Prime Minister. It’s the most uplifting and life-affirming experience, and if you’re in London, please go down and show your support. Thousands go each year, but the more people who attend, the more the world will listen. This is hugely important in the week that rabid right-winger Nick Griffin calls for homophobia to be decriminalised.

I made this short clip in 2009 and it shows you just how magical the Vigil can be. The soundtrack is an exclusive remix of a poignant Flaming Lips track, The Stars Are So Big, I Am So Small…Do I Stand a Chance? (It Overtakes Me) which I produced specially for the clip. I’m especially proud that this video was used to help secure funding and charitable status for the 17-24-30 No To Hate Crime organisation who campaign tirelessly for justice, human rights and equality.

Categories: Music, Random, Video | Tags: 17-24-30 No To Hate Crime, Candle-Lit Vigil, Gay, Homophobia, It Overtakes Me, Mark Wallis, remix, The Flaming Lips, The Stars Are So Big...I Am So Small...Do I Stand A Chance?, The Vibes, Trafalgar Square | 12 Comments

The Candle-Lit Vigil Against Hate Crime

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Mark

It’s that time of year again. The days grow shorter and chill winds blow through the streets of London. On the last weekend in October, Trafalgar Square is illuminated with a blanket of candle-light as people flock in their thousands to remember the victims of hate crimes. To see so many people united against violence is a spiritual experience in the truest sense. Last year, as the choir sang, flames sparked into life across the square. I stood in silence in a sea of flickering points of light, moved by the open displays of emotion around me. Standing right before me was the net result – the actual aftermath of hatred: sadness and loss. To be amongst so much catharsis was ultimately uplifting, and I felt fortified by the solidarity of the people around me. Various speakers roused us with spirited speeches, and celebrities and prominent members of the Police and Parliament publicly voiced their support. Ultimately, it became a celebration of the human spirit, of defiance and dignity.

This year the vigil takes place on Friday 28th October 2011 in Trafalgar Square. For more information check the links below.

Candle-Lit Vigils Against Hate Crime

The 17-24-30 No To Hate Crime Campaign

As a footnote, this video contains a soundtrack by The Flaming Lips, It Overtakes Me / The Stars Are So Big… I Am So Small… Do I Stand a Chance? which I remixed exclusively for this project.