Organisers behind Liverpool’s planned record breaking catwalk have joined up with a leading anti-hate crime charity in a special call out to the alternative community.

The Very Big Catwalk, in association with Very.co.uk, will take over the Pier Head on Saturday 4 July. Organised by the city council they are working in partnership with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation to make sure groups such as punks, goths, emos and metallers are represented in this snapshot of Liverpool life.

The Foundation was set up following the death of 20 year old Sophie who was attacked in Bacup, Rossendale because of the way she looked.  Sophie’s mum, Sylvia, set up the charity to highlight the issues of hate-crime and focus on creating respect for, and understanding of, subcultures in our communities.

After being approached by fashion producer and catwalk manager Jane Galpin, Sylvia didn’t hesitate to sign up the Foundation to be part of the event which will see the city attempt to take the Guinness World Record for ‘most models on a catwalk’.

And organisers want the region’s alternative community to follow the Foundation’s lead and join them on the catwalk on the 4 July, when Sophie’s mum and family will take the lead in their section.

Sylvia said:

“We are proud to be able to represent alternative subcultures at this unique event.

“My aim to create a positive legacy to Sophie will be strengthened as together we show how we should celebrate, not fear “difference”.

“I hope as many of our supporters and all the lovely moshers, goths and punks join us to send out the message – Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred &Intolerance Everywhere.”

Anyone – alternative or non-alternative – who wants to join The Sophie Lancaster Foundation team on the catwalk just needs to turn up at the Water Street entrance of Liverpool’s Cunard Building on the Pier Head at 3pm on Saturday ready to showcase their amazing looks and help Liverpool make record breaking history.

Jane Galpin said:

“It’s incredibly important that this catwalk represents all aspects of Liverpool life and celebrating sub-cultures is a huge part of this.

“I was so pleased when Sylvia agreed to be part of the event as her reach and influence are invaluable.  We want to infiltrate all corners of the community, especially those who may not normally associate themselves with a fashion event, and give them this unique opportunity to showcase just how fabulous they are.

“Whether you dress head to toe in black, walk around the city in hair rollers, dye your hair green or are covered in tattoos – we want all of you!   The Liverpool people are a beautiful eclectic mix and that’s exactly what we want to see on the 4 July.”

The Very Big Catwalk forms part of Liverpool’s Transatlantic 175 weekend which is curated by Creative Director Wayne Hemingway MBE, with the world record attempt organised by Culture Liverpool and hosted in partnership with Liverpool-based online retail giant Very.co.uk.

Any individuals interested in signing up to be part of this unique event should visit the Very Big Catwalk section at www.onemagnificentcity.co.uk. Any groups interested should email verybigcatwalk@liverpool.gov.uk.

For more information visit www.onemagnificentcity.co.uk or follow @OMCLpool on Twitter and One Magnificent City Liverpool on Facebook.

For more information about The Sophie Lancaster Foundation visit www.sophielancasterfoundation.co.uk or follow @sophie_charity on Twitter and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation on Facebook.

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