Armistice parade nominated for Unesco heritage list

The annual Armistice Day parade in a Warwickshire town could be added to a global list that recognises local and significant traditions and what they represent to their communities.

Bedworth has staged a parade marking the anniversary of the end of World War One every year since 1921.

It has now been nominated for inclusion on the United Nation's cultural arm Unesco's Living Heritage List, a list of traditions and practices from more than 150 countries, representing intangible heritage to places and people.

To aid their nomination, the organisers of the annual parade are asking people to back their application on social media.

The Unesco Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage cover almost 850 activities of cultural significance in 157 countries around the world.

Owen Granfield from Bedworth Armistice Day Parade Committee, says they asked Unesco if they qualify, and they do.

"We wrote to the various community leadership organisations, the borough and county councils, the Church of England, the Ministry of Defence and they all said yes, yes, yes," he said.

The committee also has to demonstrate the event is valued by the community.

And a poll on their Facebook page shows more than 90% of people voting approve of the parade and the potential of adding to a globally recognised list.

It costs £25,000 a year to stage the parade, with £15,000 now spent on equipment so the parade can be streamed around the world.

"We know people watch it in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, America and in some of the local factories, they've started to stream it live, because they know we will be there and we will do it." said Owen Granfield.

But he doesn't know how long the process will take, or whether the campaign will be a success or not.

"It's a new thing for Unesco," said Mr Granfield. "They've said you've got to do this. We tick down the boxes and then a decision will be made."

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