Tower Hamlets Council is asking residents to take part in “The Great Get Together” picnic in Victoria Park on Sunday 18 June in honour of Jo Cox MP who was tragically murdered last year.
In celebration of Jo’s belief that people have more in common than differences, people up and down the country are organising events as part of the nation-wide festivities during the 16-18 June.
The initiative is being organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, set up in her memory and comes at just the right time after recent terror attacks in London and Manchester which have sought to polarise communities.
Jo’s death had particular resonance in Tower Hamlets as she lived in the borough with her husband and two children in a houseboat.
The special free event at Victoria Park will have live music on the bandstand by East London Arts & Music (ELAM) and dads are invited to take part in a very special Father’s Day mini Olympics. There will be plenty of activities to keep children entertained at what looks set to be the biggest community party since the Jubilee. The fun starts at 1pm. Don’t forget your picnic hamper!
The council has provided 11 grants to community groups to organise events up until 17 July so residents who are observing Ramadan can join in too.
Community events open to the wider public include:
Great Get Together – Our Tower Hamlets at St Hilda’s East Community Centre – Saturday 8 July from 11am-3pm. Activities will include a tea party and chance to create a large scale mural.
Great Get Together Garden Party at Approach Gardensin Russia Lane, E2 – Sunday 9 July from 1pm-5pm. The community garden will be refreshed with 40 new growing beds funded by the National Lottery. Enjoy live music and food grown from the garden.
Pritchard’s Road Centre – Great Get Together at Marian Place, E2 – Saturday 17 July from 10am-2pm. Come down for a slice of homemade cake, cup of tea and good company.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs said:
“I am proud the council is supporting this fantastic initiative and it is heart-warming to see something so positive coming from Jo’s tragic death.
“Jo was absolutely right when she said there is more that unites us than divides and the diversity of the nation is something to be celebrated. I look forward to our community coming together to celebrate in Jo’s memory.”
To find more information and see what is going on in your area please check www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/arts or www.greatgettogether.org
– Press realise