“We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us” – Jo Cox, in her first speech to parliament.
As you may or may not know, this weekend (16th – 18th June) people from all over the country will be coming together as part of The Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Get Together campaign.
There will be celebrations big and small but we’ll be attending our local event at Hackney’s Wilton Way (E8) with local residents, businesses and community groups.
The aim of the event is to celebrate the borough’s diversity and to promote the strengthening of neighbourly ties through the sharing of food, music, fun and games.
The party will take place on the street from 11am until 5pm and is open to residents and visitors alike. Attendees will be encouraged to share food and friendly conversation at communal tables and to take part in the programme of competitions, all judged on the theme of diversity.
The day’s activities include a ‘Hatney’ best hat competition, a ‘Bake Off’ celebrating family recipes (12 and under and All Ages categories) and a prize dog show, organised by Hackney pet shop Pack and Clowder and judged by dog expert and BBC London radio host Anna Webb (@BarkingBlondes).
Local businesses will be getting involved, offering specials and prizes for activity winners, while a pop-up book store and bike clinic will also be setting up shop on the street for the day.
Music will be provided by London Fields Radio DJs and Hackney Globetrotter (World Music), while live music will include a community singalong, led by local musician Dan and his old Joanna.
Similar neighbourhood celebrations will be held around the country between 16 – 18 June 2017, to raise money for good causes or simply to promote community togetherness as part of the Great Get Together campaign. Started this year, the campaign is a celebration of the life and work of MP Jo Cox, who was killed on 16 June 2016.
Wilton Way has a history of successful street parties – with events hosted for the Queen’s Jubilee and the Royal Wedding in recent years.
The Great Get Together campaign has inspired the local community to come together once more, to organise this event promoting neighbourhood unity and community.
For more information, please visit the Wilton Way Street Party Facebook event.
The Wilton Way Great Get Together will take place 11:00am – 17:00pm on Saturday 17 June 2017 on Wilton Way (between Royal Oak Road and Greenwood Road), in Hackney, London. It is FREE and open to all.
