Over 500 people gathered in Old Market Square last night in a vigil to show support for refugees who have fled their war-torn countries.
Supporters also came to urge Nottingham City council and Nottinghamshire County council to take in at least 50 refugees.
The event led by Nottingham Citizens, a sub-group of the nationwide charity Citizens UK, was sparked by the death of three-year-old Alan Kurdi whose body was found washed up on a beach on the coast of Turkey after his family tried to flee the country on a boat.
The image of the toddler sent shock waves around the world, and prompted a string of vigils in cities across the UK to draw light on the refugee crisis.
Picture: The vigil took place in the Old Market Square last night.
Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio holder for Early Intervention and Early Years said: “What we see here tonight is that Nottingham people want to welcome people who are refugees and asylum seekers, people who are fleeing violence and war, we welcome them here in this city and we would want to support them.”
During the event, members of the public donated sleeping bags, clothing and food which will be taken to refugees arriving at Calais.
The well attended vigil saw speeches from members of the council, church and from the Syrian community.
Adel Golan, a 27-year-old Syrian who fled his country 18 months ago said: “There is merciless war in my country and I don’t think I’d be here in Nottingham today otherwise.”
“We are not looking for wealth, we are looking for protection.”
– Adel Golan, a Syrian refugee
Just yesterday Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the UK would be taking in 20,000 refugees from Syria within the next five years.
