Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival Committee,

We want change.

This petition calls on the committee to take responsibility for addressing racism within the Beltane.

Every June, the people of Peebles gather to celebrate the annual Peebles Beltane processions. During this week, many festivities are carried out that highlight the people of Peebles, their talents and beliefs. For that week, a spotlight is placed on Peebles. Whilst this is exciting and important for the town, it also comes with responsibility. We have a duty to ensure all people feel safe and comfortable at these events. Therefore, we are asking for change when it comes to the way racism is addressed through the Beltane period.

**Firstly, the costumes that our children wear during the Saturday procession MUST NOT appropriate any culture. Therefore, costumes may have to be completely rethought and binned, and any face-painting which is racist or appropriates a culture must not be repeated.

**Secondly, anybody that turns up to the Friday night fancy dress parade seen to be appropriating a culture should not be allowed to partake (i.e. allowed to participate in the procession.)

**Finally, racism must be addressed, loudly and clearly, by your committee. Steps should be outlined to display how racist practices will be addressed in future. This should include reporting racist actions to the police, regardless of intentions.

These overdue changes will push Peebles forward when it comes to equality, diversity and fairness. Having this festival is a privilege and more must be done.

If there cannot be an anti-racist Beltane, there cannot be a Beltane.

Thank you.

#BlackLivesMatter