A MUSICAL tribute to commemorate the life of the iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was held in Stroud on Saturday, December 14.

Using books and photographs of the late South African president, organisers set-up a miniature shrine to the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize-winner outside the Subscription Rooms.

They also created signs bearing messages such as ‘Stroud salutes Mandela’ and played traditional southern African music at the farmers’ market.

Passing shoppers and members of the public, including former Stroud MP David Drew, stopped to pay their respects and many donated to Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).

Campaigning group ACTSA is the successor to the UK’s anti-apartheid movement and works with the people of southern Africa to build a future of justice, rights and development for the region.

Organiser Nick James said: “It was all very emotional and I was very pleased by the response from the people of Stroud.

“Fred Miller played the mbira, an African thumb piano, which is a southern African traditional musical instrument. The songs were peaceful and reflective.”