Two thousands red roses were handed out to shoppers in Nottingham as part of a Muslim celebration of love, peace and harmony.
Around 50 people from local groups met by the Brain Clough statue to hand out the roses as a celebration of Rabi-ul-awwal, the month of the birth of Muhammad.
The event was organised by the KQZ Institute, an Islamic group set up by Waheed Zaman five years ago, in memory of his father.
The group aims to build bridges in the community and spread peace and love throughout Nottingham.
For the last two years, they have handed out the roses in Nottingham as part of the celebration, but Mr Zaman said this year's event had an extra meaning, due to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, where 17 were killed.
He said: "The rose is a symbol of love, peace and harmony, and that is something we want to share.
"The timing has become more significant, but we had planned to do it anyway as a celebration of the birth month of Muhammad.
"We want to show that because of the actions of a couple of individuals that we cannot be divided, and that is our message we want to get across."
The event was supported by a number of local community groups and figure heads, including police and crime commissioner Paddy Tipping.
He said: "We have got a strong community here in Nottingham.
"There are different ethnic groups within the community but traditionally have all got on together.
"The events in Paris are tragic but here in Nottingham we want to show that we are strong and united, whatever background we come from."
Imam Khalid Hussain, the teacher at the KQZ Institute, gave a short speech before the assembled crowd began giving out the roses.
He said: "This year, it is a coincidence that it is just the same time as the events in Paris.
"This shows that we, as Muslims, first and foremost condemn any attack on another human being and that this is the basis of our religion.
"Muslims living in Britain and anywhere else are not responsible for the acts committed by certain individuals who have an extreme view of Islam."
Among the volunteers who handed out the roses was Sister Malaika Kayani, from Sisters in the Community.
She said: "We work with the KQZ Institute quite a lot and I supported this event because we want to show people that we are a religion of peace."
