PEOPLE from different faiths and community groups joined together to go for a walk in one another's shoes on Sunday.

The annual Interfaith Walk, designed to promote friendship and harmony among people of faith in Basingstoke, brought together numerous societies and groups who enjoyed a celebration at Carnival Hall.

Organised by the Basingstoke Multicultural Forum (BMF) and Faith Leaders Forum, the event sees residents of all backgrounds walk through the town together in a show of solidarity.

Around 40 attendees were welcomed at Eastrop Park where the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Onallee Cubitt said a few words about praying for peace and seeking harmony in society.

The group then progressed onto Market Square where music sounded out from the Salvation Army band. They played two further hymn tunes and then two minutes silence was observed for each person to pray and think about their contribution towards a peaceful world. As the band played on the walkers headed for Carnival Hall where they were welcomed with tea and biscuits by the Basingstoke Hindu Society.

There were two short presentations, one on Hinduism and the other on Sikhism, giving clear information on the background and beliefs of these faiths. In thanking them, John Hayward, one of the organisers, spoke of different faiths having some common objectives between them but also having clear differences which gave opportunities for discussion and deeper insight into life and faith. The mayor also expressed her interest in peaceful co-existence and thanked the presenters for their interesting outlines of their faith and the committee for inviting her and her consort.

The Faith Leaders Forum promotes positive, joint action in Basingstoke. The group is arranging a group dinner in November to mark Interfaith Week, which is in November. For more information, contact interfaithbasingstoke@gmailcom.