Playing host today to a visit from members of BIFFY (Blackpool Inter-Faith Forum for Youth). This is a group of a dozen girls (aged 12-15) with three support workers, who've been active in Blackpool for the past few years, raising awareness of different faiths, challenging prejudice and embracing diversity. They've been given some funding for a weekend away and they've chosen to come to Leicester! Anna Elgee, in charge of the group, phoned me about a week ago and asked if I could organise some visits and activities for them while they're here.
The group arrives by train early afternoon; I meet them at the Premier Inn at 1430 and lead them down into the city centre. Our first stop is at the Dark Side cafe, in Cank Street, a popular spot with some of Leicester's Pagans, Wiccans, Goths and Emos. I ask Lucie Belikova, the manager there, to say a little bit to the group about who uses the place and what goes on there. They've recently renovated the cellar, which they're intending to use for writing events, live music and so on, so we nip downstairs for a quick look.
Next we pop into the Cathedral, where the pledge to stand together against extremism, signed by followers of different faiths (and those who follow none) is on display.
Then, to the Nagarjuna Buddhist Centre, where they are treated to a drink and some cake, as well as a short meditation session and talk from Chogma, Education Officer at the Centre. During a brief Q&A, Chogma says that the day she put her hair-straighteners in the bin was the greatest moment of liberation she'd felt in her life.
From there, we head out to Belgrave Road. The girls want to buy saris, jewellery and other Indian regalia. The evening concludes with a meal together in Sokani's vegetarian restaurant.
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