WE Day 2014 - The very first We Day UK was a royally good time!

Twelve thousand students arrived at Wembley Arena bright and early this morning to celebrate change with world-renowned speakers and performers – what a day they had ahead of them!

  

Co-Chairs of We Day UK, Holly Branson and Lord Rumi Verjee, opened the show by introducing Free The Children co-founders, Marc and Craig Kielburger. Marc and Craig shared the history of Free The Children with the crowd of students, emphasising to them that you don’t have to be an adult to make huge change! “We Day is about all of us saying yes to change!” Marc encouraged.

Holly Branson returned to the We Day stage to introduce her father, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. The father-daughter duo entranced the audience with stories of philanthropy as Holly interviewed her father on his experiences. When asked by students for a piece of advice, Sir Richard Branson shared, “Hug an enemy and make them a friend!” It was a great reminder to practise forgiveness, and to embrace friendship.

Next up, the We Day crowd gave a huge royal welcome to Prince Harry! Passionate about giving back to others, Prince Harry encouraged the students to take action. “Some people don’t think it’s cool to help others…personally, I think it’s the coolest thing in the world.” The audience roared – Wembley Arena was PACKED with cool today!

To watch Prince Harry, please follow this link;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26485723

 An incredible moment took place next—Malala Yousafzai, international education activist and co-founder of Malala Fund, took to the stage to a roar of applause! An icon for girls and young people alike, Malala spoke of access to education, and how we can come together to help children all over the world. “The powerful weapon you have is your voice,” she shared. She then announced how she will use her voice to create change — the Malala Fund’s brand new partnership with Free The Children will strive to provide education to children in need, and to raise awareness about girls’ education issues by making a pledge of silence.

Anything can happen! That was the message of the final performer—Ellie Goulding took the stage by storm. Backed by the London Youth Choir, her songs Anything Can Happen and Burn had everyone singing along!