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Local Events
See how people have and are continuing to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday on and around 18th July. Also find out what your local council have done to facilitate events in your area:
Scotland
ACTSA Scotland launched an appeal for books to be donated to public and school libraries in South Africa as a gift to honour the achievements of Mandela in his 90th year. The appeal was launched on World Book Day (6th March) and ran until 18th July. In the first seven working days, library users donated over 1000 books. The uplift and transport to South Africa was arranged through the ACTSA Scotland Book Appeal.
Edinburgh City Council are performing a number of acts in order to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. The South African flag was flown from the City Chambers on the 18th of July 2008 and plans were made for the floral arrangement on the mound to be arranged around the theme of the South African Flag. In addition to this, a commemoration book was opened in the city chambers in the week leading up to the 18th of July to allow members of the public to record a personal birthday message. The book will remain open for two weeks after which time it will be forwarded directly to Nelson Mandela.
Edinburgh Evening News is intending on launching during the week of Nelson Mandela's birthday a children's painting competition to be held over the summer, an awards ceremony and exhibition will then be held when the winners have been announced. Edinburgh Mela are also considering including appropriate events in their programme to mark his birthday.
Midlothian Council passed a motion unanimously at the Council meeting on 24th June 2008 concerning Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations. The motion read:
“Midlothian Council agrees to join millions of people around the world in sending congratulations to Nelson Mandela, Freeman of Midlothian, on the occasion of his 90th birthday on 18 July 2008.”
Midlothian Council held a number of events to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela. A public lecture by Dr Daryl Balia ‘South Africa before and after Nelson Mandela’ in Dalkeith Library was held on Friday 18th July. The six Midlothian secondary schools are doing a poetry reading on the last day of term about Nelson Mandela as part of their Modern Studies module.
The Provost has also arranged a football match on Saturday 2nd August between Penicuik Athletic and Auchinleck Talbot – ‘90 for 90’ - 90 minutes of football for Nelson’s 90 years of life. A message from LAACTSA will be included in the match programme along with birthday wishes. This is a prestige match, and radio and press coverage has been arranged to publicise the game, which is also to commemorate 4 miners who were killed at the Barony Colliery in an accident in 1962.
The ANC flag will fly outside the Council HQ in Dalkeith during July. The Provost recently welcomed a delegation from Johannesburg Council who wanted to learn about the political structure in Midlothian Council. In addition, on behalf of the people of Midlothian, the Provost will send a birthday card to Nelson Mandela, who was awarded the Freedom of Midlothian in September 1985.
Glasgow City Council, the first to give Mandela freedom of the City in August 1981, launched their ‘Birthday Card for Nelson Mandela at 90’ at a Civic Reception in the City Chambers on 27th March. Lord Provost Bob Winter was the first signatory to the card; he also cut a birthday cake carrying the message ‘Happy 90th Nelson.’ Glaswegians and visitors to the City Chambers also have an opportunity to sign a birthday book to honour Nelson Mandela.
East Dunbartonshire Council held a container send off at George Square, Glasgow at 1pm on Friday 18th of July. The container held a donation of 50,000 books for schools and public libraries in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In addition to this, an official reception in honour of Nelson Mandela was held in the Banqueting Hall, City Chambers at 7.00pm. The Lord Provost’s Office was responsible for issuing the invitations. This was followed at 8.30pm by a party organised by ACTSA Scotland. Jenny Duncan, ACTSA National Executive member, has arranged for a signing event of a large birthday card for Nelson Mandela at the Scottish Parliament.
Aberdeen City Council requested the City’s Lord Provost ensured that a birthday greeting was sent out on July 18th.
North East
Gateshead Council has a partnership arrangement with the Eastern Cape of South Africa, as part of the Association of North East Councils. The partnership is known as the Gateshead Swallows Project, and aims to develop a five year programme centred on the arts and culture.
90 Colleagues in Gateshead Council came together on Friday 18th at 11.15am to walk a mile for Freedom. They did this as an awareness raising activity and were made up of some local school children and teachers, members of their strategic partnership (GSP) and other employees of the council.
Visiting singers from South Africa 'Amandla Eslandla' and the Elephants from the Dodgy Clutch Theatre Company who have been working in South Africa for 3 years on a drama project which created the family of Elephants met and greeted the walkers. In all 98 people walked a Mile for Nelson Mandela arond the Quayside of Gateshead and Newcastle and would especially like to send their best wishes to ACTSA's Campaign and to the great man.
Newcastle City Council drew up proposals for Mandela’s 90th birthday, including a celebratory performance by South African artists and a ‘big birthday card’ for signature.
Kirklees Councilheld an event called A World Together on the 13th July which was a free event for all the family, which celebrated the diverse cultural communities of the area in order to promote community cohesion. The Council programmed African drumming, dancing and crafts and so used this ideal opportunity to promote Mandela’s birthday to the thousands of people that attended.
On Sunday 13th July Pop in the Park (Parkers Piece) was held. In the Nelson Mandela Tent there were Art Exhibitions, Arts and Crafts and Local Performances by a variety of musical and performance acts. Traditional clothing was encouraged.
On Friday 18th July, Face painting, performances, badge making, refreshments took place at Cambridge City Council, Mandela House, Regent Street - the new customer services centre recently refurnished and named after the great man himself.
On Saturday 19th July, Brownsfield Community Centre held a dinner/dance fundraising for Nelson Mandela’s Charity. South African style food, musical, dance and poetry performances took place with guests from Radio 209 on 105 fm.
For more information on these events please click here and here. The Council also has plans to make Mandela’s achievements a central theme of Black History Month in October.
Nottingham City Council has placed birthday cards for Mr. Mandela in central locations in the City. In the main reception of County Hall from Thursday 17th July until the end of Friday 18th July the card was available for all to sign. A press release has been displayed on their intranet and internet pages inviting the public to get themselves involved in this event and with the special day.
During Nottingham City Council’s full City Council Meeting on Monday 14th July, Nottingham City Council’s Leader, Cllr Jon Collins delivered a communication to his fellow councillors, paying tribute to and celebrating the significance of Mandela’s 90th birthday this Friday. Cllr Collins also made reference to the growing political and economic uncertainty in the wider region of southern Africa and the continuing need for support for the communities within southern African countries. On the 12th July, Nottingham held an ‘Intercultural Cities’ event, which celebrated and showcased to other European cities the work Nottingham has been doing towards community cohesion as part of the ‘European Year of Intercultural Dialogue’. During this event, local artists worked with a group of young people from Nottingham schools to design their own birthday cards for Nelson Mandela, focusing on the themes of democracy, justice and rights for southern Africa. To see some of these birthday cards click on the following links. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5
Leicester City Council circulated a series of large birthday cards to Councillors, staff and to members of the public visiting the Council offices in order to enable people to send their own well wishes to Mr. Mandela. The Council has also planned a celebration event aimed at 13-19 year olds on the afternoon of the 18th of July at Leicester’s Nelson Mandela Park. The park events included graffiti on canvas, a music DJ workshop, sports activity and street dance. For further details of this event please contact Irene Kszyk.
North WestManchester City Councilproposes to compile and publish an anthology of poetry by school students, which they hope will be prefaced by Mandela. They also hope to have a Manchester lecture on South Africa today, given by a South African Government Minister; an exhibition of paintings and poetry by Manchester schoolchildren; a website to communicate proposals and events taking place to mark the anniversary, and an electronic birthday card.
Liverpool City Councilhave a major holocaust related exhibition in their World Museum called RESPECTacles, comprising over 100,000 used spectacles which have been donated by the public and celebrities. Its purpose is to teach young people about the importance of respect in genocide prevention and it is being very well received. As Nelson is a Freeman of the City of Liverpool, the Lord Mayor would like to display a pair of old glasses in the exhibition together with other celebrity glasses they have. They intend to use this to highlight his birthday, and to run some information about why he received the freedom of the city.
Telford and Wrekin Councilis happy to act as facilitators for any group that wishes to celebrate Mandela's birthday. The council looked into holding a ‘Party in the Park’ on July 19th. They have also proposed plans to approach Mandela’s birthday from an educational perspective, and would like to have essays, plays and painting competitions on the life of Mandela, for various age groups.
The City of Stoke on Trent Council have had a birthday card in their reception so that their residents and visitors can sign it.
Birmingham City Council and Coventry City Council have considered ways to celebrate Nelson Mandela at 90.
South East
Reading Borough Council planned a number of exciting events to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.
On Wednesday 16th July there was a Nelson Mandela Birthday Quiz at the Global Café, 35 London Street, Reading. RG1 4PS. This included an invitation to have a look at the exhibition celebrating Mandela's 90th Birthday. For more information on the event contact Bente Madeira: 0118958 6692
On Thursday 17th July a Storytelling from South Africa session was held that included a book signing. Poet and writer Shereen Pandit was a lawyer in South Africa in the 1980s and told of her experiences of working in the townships and around Cape Town when Mandela was being held on Robben Island.
On Friday 18th July, workshops for Schools with Kenny Mangena at Battle Library took place. This involved, South African gumboot dance with vocals plus a talk concerning Mandela's life by Marjorie McClure - using an Exhibition from RISC.
Saturday 19th July was the Birthday Picnic at Forbury Gardens. Performances from U'AMBEZI, an all-male voice A Cappella ensemble, Young face of Africa: youth dance performance, A taster performance of 'The Resurrection of little Sarah' by Julie Titus took place as well as many more displays, activities and traditional food. There was a birthday card to sign.
Oxford City Council was happy to facilitate events to celebrate Nelson Mandela at 90, and has considered ways to mark the occasion. The Council joined in with the University of Oxford celebrations for Nelson Mandela's birthday and planned on holding a reception inviting local South Africans living in Oxford and local "dignitaries".
Slough Council took part in plans to participate in celebrations for Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday.
Penwith District Councilintended to host and publicise a link from their website to one where people can find out more information about Mandela, apartheid and racial equality.
Bristol City Council held a film viewing of ‘MANDELA: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation.’ (1996 Oscar Nominee Best documentary) on the 18th July. The Event was held at Number One St Peter's Court, Bedminster Parade, Bristol BS3 4AQ. This is a full-length documentary that follows Nelson Mandela from his early days and tribal education to his election as South Africa's first black president.
Plymouth City Council's activities included flying the South African Flag from their main civic flagpole on the day and the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain also mentioned the occasion in the service for their Council.
Gloucestershire County Council wrote to their schools inviting them to offer children the opportunity to design a birthday card for Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday. They had many entries and it was really difficult to pick a winner. The Equalities Team and members of the Council's Fairness and Diversity Forum picked a shortlist of five entries and the final selection was made by one of the Local Councillors (who was born in South Africa). The school which submitted the winning entry, Kingswood Primary School in Gloucestershire really embraced the competition and set aside specific time for children to undertake a research project on Nelson Mandela and South Africa. Eloise who is a year 6 pupil at the school, put a Happy Birthday Greeting on the Card. The Council will be presenting an Art Prize to the School and to the pupil who designed the Birthday Card.
Tolpuddle's Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival (18th - 20th July) incorporated Mandela's 90th into their festivities with peformances from The Mauves, Aidan Jolly and Orpheus. People at the festival really embraced the celebration by signing a number of large birthday cards.
London
The London Borough of Newham celebrated Mandela’s birthday in their annual Townshow and Carnival on the 12th and 13th July. The carnival parade featured a large ‘Nelson Mandela’ image and banner, and in the children’s area of the Townshow an art and craft area enabled and encouraged children to design and make birthday cards.
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames' Mayor, Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons hosted an informal event on Friday 18 July to recognise Nelson Mandela's birthday. About 40 people attended and were entertained by a steel band made up of students from Hampton Community College. The guest list included representatives from local councillors and dignatories; senior officers of Richmond Council; and local groups. The room was decorated with South African flags, photos of Nelson Mandela and a selection of his inspirational quotes. All guests were encouraged to sign a birthday card which has been sent to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa.
Hackney Libraries organised a birthday card event to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
Lewisham Council, through the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, has secured all party support for a motion which was put to the council meeting on 16th July 2008, congratulating Nelson Mandela, reaffirming its support for the people of South Africa and renewing its commitment to the link with Ekurhuleni Council. In addition there may be some reference to the ‘Nelson Mandela at 90’ campaign at the People’s Day event in Lewisham and other activities at events later in the year are to follow.
Wimbledon. A day long event was held on Sunday 6th July in order to get South Africans in the London Area meeting and mixing for pre Mandela at 90 celebrations. There was fabulous food with mouth watering South African delights. There was an opportunity to sign a personal birthday card for Mr.Mandela, as well as to learn about the ACTSA Mandela at 90 Campaign.
The event was held at Marimba bar, 190 Merton High Street, Wimbledon, SW19 1AX. All profits from the event were donated to a South African charity. Contact Jacqui Benson for information.
Brent Council On Sunday 6th July ACTSA were at the Brent Respect Festival. Cllr Fox, Mayor of Brent, signed the Mandela at 90 birthday card on the main stage, urging others to send their birthday greetings to Madiba. The ACTSA stall at the festival provided an opportunity for festival goers to sign the card and learn more about the campaign
 Waltham Forest Thuso held a garden party for Mandela at 90 on the 22nd June. The event, attended by Neil Gerrard MP and representatives of the High Commission, included music, dancing and the signing of a giant birthday card for Nelson Mandela. For photos of the event and more information, go to the Thuso website.
Welsh Assembly Government. First Minister Rhodri Morgan has sent a 90th birthday message to Nelson Mandela on behalf of the people of Wales. To read what the first minister said, please click here.
Cardiff Councilhave emphasised that Mr. Mandela is well loved and respected by the people of Cardiff, and in 1998 were delighted to honour his achievements by granting him freedom of the city, and therefore as 2008 is somewhat of a personal anniversary at the same time, they have celebrated Mr. Mandela's birthday in Many Ways.
Caerphilly Council has held a sponsored walk in the area as a fund raiser for southern African education projects and information is being sought on appropriate projects or foundations to donate the money to in support of the Mandela at 90 celebrations.
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni has sent a huge personal card designed by all the children in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth forms - with a number of primary and secondary schools also sending personal messages to Mr. Mandela, via South Africa House, London.
Caerphilly County Council is also putting on a prestigious concert, and money raised from this concert, on 16 October 2008, will be sent to Nelson Mandela's personal charity assisting those with Aids and educational projects.
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