Unusual sights by the Tyne for Mandela 90th celebrations

A family of African Elephants joined the Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Maureen Chaplin and the Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry on Gateshead Quays today, as part of celebrations to mark 90 years since the birth of world statesman Nelson Mandela.

The elephants, courtesy of Dodgy Clutch Theatre Company’s eye catching performers, were just part of the celebrations organised by Gateshead Council. Councillor Chaplin was on hand to launch ‘Walk a Mile for Freedom’ in which 90 intrepid walkers took to a mile long circuit around Gateshead and Newcastle Quays before re-crossing the Tyne on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

The walk featured the added challenge of completing the circuit before the scheduled tilt of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge at 12 Noon. On Crossing back to the Gateshead side of the river, walkers were met by the elephants.

Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry said: “Nelson Mandela is a truly great man who stands for so much that is important in the world. Mr Mandela’s struggle for freedom remains one of the most enduring fights against inequality ever known.

“His vision of eradicating poverty, inequality, racism and injustice by people working together for a better future, is an inspiration to us all and it is only right that we in Gateshead show our appreciation for this by joining in with the worldwide celebrations to mark Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.”

Among the walkers were a group of pupils from Fell Dyke Primary School who were marking their last week at the school in Gateshead. All of the walkers have also had the opportunity to add their own personal birthday message to a card being sent from Gateshead to Nelson Mandela.