Jonny Quinn, the drummer with Glasgow-based band Snow Patrol, is drumming up support for a noisy demonstration to take place in Edinburgh today (Saturday, 9 January 2010).

Sudan365: A Beat for Peace, is a global effort across 15 cities calling on world leaders to take urgent steps to prevent a return to severe and widespread conflict in Sudan. The beat will start in Sudan and be joined by thousands of people all over the world.

Today (9 January 2010) marks the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended Sudan's 22-year civil war.

This date will also mark the one-year countdown until a referendum in which the south will vote on whether to become independent from the north.

Aid agencies fear that the referendum, coupled with Sudan's first multi-party elections in 24 years - due to take place in 2010 - could be potential flashpoints for violence and a possible return to war unless the international community takes steps to protect the peace.

The peace is southern Sudan is increasingly fragile. Just this week, 140 people were killed in ethnic clashes in southern Sudan when cattle herders were attacked and thousands of their cattle stolen.

In Edinburgh today - and in other cities including London, Nairobi, Washington DC and Sydney - people are being asked to make a racket using a drum of their choice.

It can be anything from a real drum to a homemade one. Pots and pans, tambourines, biscuit tins, bongos and even dustbin lids are all welcome.

Jonny Quinn, who is appearing in a special video to support the event, said:

"Sudan365 is a massive call for world leaders to prevent further bloodshed and terrible human rights abuses in Sudan. The next year is critical.

"In one year, there will be a referendum that will decide the fate of the country. But violence is already increasing. I'm joining drummers from every continent across the world to create a global drumbeat for peace.

"It is not too late to prevent a crisis. But we need leaders to act now to give peace a real chance. Go to www.sudan365.org today and join the beat!"

Sudan365 is being supported by some of the world's most famous drummers including Phil Selway of Radiohead; Stewart Copeland of The Police; Nick Mason from Pink Floyd; and Elbow's Richard Jupp.

The celebrity drummers are coming together to create a 'beat for peace' in Sudan. A film of this global beat for peace, featuring drummers from five continents, will be released to coincide with the launch of the campaign.

The Edinburgh event takes place from 11am to 2pm and people are asked to meet outside St John's Church on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road and to bring anything with which they can drum.