In 2017, internationally acclaimed, award-winning singer-songwriter Tally Koren, finally saw the launch of her long-dreamed of annual National Schools Poetry Competition, created to encourage children to express their emotions and thoughts about peace through poetry. The winner of the competition was then 13-year old student Jessica Clay from Shenley Brook School in Milton Keynes.

“When I read the words ‘Peace could be where a dark hand touches a light hand’ I thought that in one single line, a child’s imagination had captured a world conflict in the most profound way” – Tally Koren

So moved was Tally, that she wrote the song ‘Dark Hand – Light Hand’ based on the winning poem, which she has recorded and is now being released to coincide with International Peace Day on 21st September. Further, she will be performing the song, backed by a full gospel choir, at the MK Dons Stadium ahead of their football league match on that very day.

The stadium performance will form part of her 2019 Vision of Hope UK tour which will find Tally performing all over the country in her initiative to transcend cultures, faiths and backgrounds through music. Her message is true and simple – we all speak the same language through music.

The 21st September will also be the opening day of the 3rd annual National Schools Poetry Competition, which has gone from strength to strength since it’s inception, and now boasts The Archbishop of York and Peace Day One founder Jeremy Gilley as it’s patrons. The wining children are honoured by prize giving at The House of Lords who are great supporters of the project. Amongst the judges of the competition are also some very well-known names such as Katie Mellua, Don Black, Pete Brown and the Chairman of the Blake Society, Tim Heath.