Many people from the local area, churches and non religious folks alike gathered in the cafe to listen to inspiring music and speeches from people whose lives have been directly effected by conflict and arms.

There was an old lady from Newham who spoke about her memories of the blitz in the second world war - the area was one of the worst devestated in london, in particular on one awful day a local school was hit. She finished her account by saying that after all the borough and its people went through in the war, she was horrified that an arms fair was now to be held just around the corner.

There were speakers talking about Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast in Africa and the effects of small arms and weapons sales - one of the speakers now works for a local conflict resolution charity.

A priest talked at length about the awful effects of arms in the Philippines and there were several other contributions from locals and clergy, including a reminder from history that a small group of people can change the world.

There was also loads of great music from modern tunes played by young people from the area to classics perfomed by local musicians, and a series of inspiring sing alongs which addressed the arms trade in death.

It was a great evening which really focused on the issues, and just as importantly brought people together to share a vision of a world without killing and profit from death.

Many of those present will be attending the Silent Vigil outside the ExCeL Centre on Monday 8th sept (meeting at 6.15pm sharp Tidal Basin Road E16 - ELAAF East London Against the Arms Fair request people bring candles).