4th November this year marked the 75th anniversary of the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights. Unlike VE Day (the 80th anniversary of which was celebrated with commemorative events and a dedicated bank holiday) the post-war treaty that has been the bedrock of peace in Europe since, has been studiously ignored.

Throughout this year English Cabaret, which features a new generation of the family of David Maxwell Fyfe, one of its British architects, have been doing all they can to commemorate the anniversary of this remarkable peace treaty. With their project Songs of the People, they have been telling its history and celebrating its protections across the UK with performances of song cycle Dreams of Peace & Freedom.

During their Autumn of Remembrance, as the country has been properly remembering the sacrifices made for Freedom, they have been re-awakening the memory of those who worked together across Europe rebuilding the peace after WWII.

A fortnight before the anniversary they were delighted to be invited to perform at Coventry Cathedral which has become a global symbol of peace and reconciliation since it was destroyed during a bombing raid 85 years ago this year. This message, echoed by the song cycle was reinforced by the venue for the performance - on the steps of the Chapel of Unity.

Over the weekend of the anniversary itself, a special day marking ECHR75 with a performance of Dreams of Peace & Freedom at the centre was hosted by the Museum of Liverpool. Liverpool, where David began his legal career and served as an MP for nearly 20 years has been described this year as 'the birthplace of human rights' and English Cabaret's performance was complemented by a partnership with LJMU’s Human Rights Living Library, which drew on case studies to answer questions about the relevance of the ECHR today.

On the eve of the anniversary, they brought the show to the magical setting of Southwark Cathedral in the centre of London. It was an intimate and respectful performance to a small gathering, that might, on reflection be regarded as a Swansong.

During their yearlong campaign, Songs of the People has reached out to politicians, universities and schools, places of worship, activists and artists in their efforts to invite others to join and grow their celebration. But despite letters of support from the office at No. 10 and an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, broader support for a national commemoration has not been forthcoming. 

Songs of the People can proudly claim to be the only public recognition in the UK of ECHR75, searchable on Google, despite minimal resources and a hostile political landscape. Not a national commemoration - but a commemoration nonetheless. You can follow the year through other EC News posts, and at our sister website www.songsofthepeople.co.uk.