9 pictures as Blackpool's young people celebrate International Day of Peace 2026

Young people in Blackpool joined together to take part in the latest ‘peace walk’ to mark International Day of Peace of 2026.

This year’s event, the third annual peace walk in the town, was staged on Monday (September 21) and connected youth organisations with communities worldwide, proving that peace can be fostered both locally and globally.

Organised in the town by Blackpool Youth Services, young people from numerous organisations took part in a vibrant Peace Day walk along Blackpool’s iconic promenade.

The walk ended outside the council offices at Bickerstaffe House, where the walkers were joined by Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health.

International Day of Peace is traditionally held on September 21 and is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed around the world, dedicated to global peace and specifically mandates a 24-hour period of non-violence and ceasefire in war.

As the world continues to face war in Ukraine and the Middle East, the event could not have been more timely, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an end to the conflicts.

Blackpool Youth Services said: “Last year our celebrations took on an international dimension when we connected with a school in Japan.

“That connection has continued, with the school still maintaining pen-pal relationships with organisations and young people in Blackpool demonstrating how a simple idea can create lasting friendships across the world.

“This year Blackpool has once again come together in a very special way.”

The event included a gathering in front of Blackpool Tower which was lit up in white for the occasion.

Additionally, young people from the Youth Provision Partnership, created handprints, representing individuals coming together. These were used for an additional laser light show set against the Tower.

Among those involved were Blackpool Young Carers, Blackpool Youth Council, Rise Up Girls Hub, Empowerment Charity, Layton Methodist Youth group, Aiming Higher, Sam’s Place, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, the King’s Trust and Magic Club.