Our city is fed up with Nazis! - Programme for the Chemnitz Peace Day

"The Chemnitz Peace Day shows how many people in Chemnitz are committed to peace and democracy. That is encouraging. I hope that many people from Chemnitz will take part in the events and encourage each other not to give room to xenophobia and right-wing ideologies," said Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig."We must not allow right-wing extremists to misuse 5 March to promote their xenophobic ideas and falsify history. The numerous events on 5 March send a clear signal for tolerance, togetherness and democracy."

A broad alliance of various city council groups, the Lord Mayor, representatives from business, trade unions, culture, sport, science, churches, the Jewish community, initiatives, associations and civil society players are once again calling on citizens to take part in Chemnitz Peace Day this year: "5 March marks the anniversary of the destruction of Chemnitz by bombing at the end of the Second World War. Right-wing extremists have been trying to use this day for years to falsify history and spread their inhuman ideas. The signatories call on all citizens of our city to show their support for democracy, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and openness to the world, against hatred and neo-fascism. Come to the city on this day and take part in the many peaceful actions in favour of democracy."

The appeal with all signatories can be found at www.chemnitz.de.

Programme for the Chemnitz Peace Day (excerpt):

At 9 am, the traditional wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the municipal cemetery. Mayor Barbara Ludwig will commemorate the destruction of Chemnitz and the victims of the bombings as a result of the Second World War that started in Germany. The meeting point is at the entrance to the cemetery at the corner of Augsburger Straße and Grünband.

The central meeting point on this day will be Neumarkt. During the day, peace pictures designed by Chemnitz schools and day-care centres will be on display, illustrating the various facets of peace. Aktion C has been able to inspire numerous young people from Chemnitz for this campaign. The walk-in peace cross will be open from 10 am.

Sabine Kühnrich from the Chemnitz Peace Day working group is delighted with the great response from young people: "With the peace pictures and other activities, we have reached many children and young adults who bring their very own view of how they want to live in the future. It is important that the young people of Chemnitz develop their own perspectives so that there will continue to be cultural and political impulses in this city that promote peace in the future."

From 5 p.m., peace routes will lead from six Chemnitz churches in the form of a star march to the peace cross on Neumarkt. The starting points are the Schloßkirche, the Friedenskirche, the Kreuzkirche, the Probsteikirche, St Peter's Church and St Mark's Church. The people of Chemnitz can set a sign for dignified remembrance and democracy with a candle.

"Rhymes against the right" will be read out in the foyer of the town hall from 5 pm.

Numerous other events will be taking part in Chemnitz Peace Day, including a demonstration at 4 pm at Chemnitz Central Station.

A large central rally will take place at 6 pm on Neumarkt square, organised by numerous city stakeholders. After a welcoming address by Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig, the Rector of Chemnitz University of Technology, Arnold van Zyl, will give the keynote speech. The programme will be accompanied by music from the wind ensemble of the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chemnitz Opera Choir and the Jewish Community Choir. In addition, the anti-racism group at the Dr.-Wilhelm-André-Gymnasium and the Ensemble C of the Chemnitz Music School will contribute smaller pieces.

Raj Ullrich, Theater Chemnitz, on the programme: "With our programme, we want to send a clear signal for peace and tolerance and pause together with the citizens of our city so that Chemnitz remains a strong, self-confident city in the future and whose citizens are proudly committed to peace. I hope that many Chemnitz residents will take part in this important commitment and will not be deterred from joining us on 5 March to visibly stand up for it."

The Kunst für Chemnitz association is organising a special performance this year. At 19:30, the first part of "Peremett I" will be shown, an installation conceived by Prof Rolf Lieberknecht in the form of a pyramid.

installation in the form of a pyramid. At 8 pm, a church service will be held in the Jakobikirche. The day will end with the second part of the performance "Peremett II" at 9 pm.

The City of Chemnitz will publish a press release with an overview of the traffic regulations on this day and restrictions at day-care centres and schools in good time.

Further information can be found at www.chemnitz.de