This Monday (21st Sept) is the International Day of Peace and there are several opportunities to witness for peace nationally and locally, this weekend and into the autumn.
Clarion Events – Drop the Arms Fair
Friday 18th Sept 1-2pm, Fulham, London
Join Quaker Roots in London to witness at the headquarters of Clarion Events, who organise the DSEI arms fair. Join us one year ahead of DSEI 2027, to witness and hand-in our call for Clarion to focus on positive events like the baby show, not arms fairs which cause death and trauma.
Silent Walking Vigil for Peace
Saturday 19 September 12.00– 4.00pm, Central London and on Zoom
The silent walking vigil is a positive, public witness for peace by Quakers, with an invitation to all who are supportive to join us. We want to show our solidarity and care for those impacted by violence, conflict and war. The date has been chosen for its proximity to the United Nations International Day of Peace.
For those unable to attend the vigil in London and who wish to be in solidarity, Newark Quakers are hosting a Meeting for Worship to uphold the vigil, running concurrently, from 12 noon on Zoom.
International Peace Day at the Quaker Service Memorial
Meeting for Worship Monday 21st Sept 1:45 to 3:30pm at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
Staffordshire Area Quaker Meeting invites you to join them for a meeting for worship uphold those working for peace today. Under the theme: Peace for Everyone, Everywhere and Every Day. We will gather in the entrance hall of the visitor centre from 1.45 pm and at 2.00pm we will walk the half-mile to our memorial. The meeting for worship will start at 2.30pm. A buggy will be available for those with mobility needs.
West Midlands Against Racism
Unity March and Rally Sunday 4th October 1 – 4pm
Join others in a public demonstration that’s as much about celebrating what we are for as it is protesting what we are against. Celebrate the diverse, multicultural, multi faith West Midlands, and show that hate, division and violence will never win. A broad coalition of over 40 organisations; trade unions, students, climate groups, faith groups, LGBT+ organisations, Palestine solidarity groups, and more.
Gathering point TBC, outdoors in central Birmingham, sign up to receive an update when the location is confirmed.
Learn about Befriending with Restore
Could you befriend a refugee? Restore is a project of Birmingham Churches Together, which matches refugees with befrienders. On Saturday 10th October 2026 at St John’s Church, Harborne there is an opportunity to learn about refugees globally, the UK asylum process and the practicalities of befriending. The training day is interactive and includes refugee and volunteer voices.
Peace Babs continues
Please share this opportunity with anyone in your meeting (or your wider friends and family) who might be feeling worried about the state of the world, but doesn’t know where to start. This is an opportunity to join a group of like-minded people who take simple steps together. Explore what matters to you, and get ideas & support to start making a difference.
On Tuesdays 13th Oct & 10th Nov we’ll get together over a cuppa in the lovely atmosphere of the BRIG Cafe for relaxed, interactive workshops. People are welcome to join, whether you came to the first session on Sept or not.
If you would like more information on any of these events, or to connect with other Central England Friends who might be attending, please contact our Peace Hub Coordinator: office@peacehub.org.uk
Other than Peace Babs (organised by our project Peace Hub) these events are not organised by Central England Quakers – we are sharing them as opportunities to witness together with Friends and others, which may include those with different perspectives and beliefs to us.