The Great Get Together 2017
Take a break from divisive politics to celebrate what you and your neighbours have in common at the Great Get Together 2017, held in memory of Jo Cox
In her first speech to parliament, MP Jo Cox said: 'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.'
The Great Get Together is a nationwide summer festival, held from 16-18 June, inspired by the life and legacy of Jo Cox, the Labour MP murdered last year. She had a special interest in international humanitarian problems and developing solutions for them. Members of the public are encouraged to hold street parties and neighbourhood celebrations to cultivate solidarity within communities.
As the official website explains: 'We’re inviting people to get together with their neighbours to share food and celebrate all that we hold in common.' The project wants to bring neighbours together in Jo's memory to celebrate peace and community spirit.
How can I get involved?
The Great Get Together has joined forces with the Big Lunch to create a free pack full of ideas and resources to help kickstart your party planning – all you have to do is sign up.
Organisers have outlined the five simple steps you need to get involved:
1. Decide when and where is best for you.
2. Get the invites out.
3. Make the food as simple or as fancy as you want. You can ask others to bring something. (They have an online list of recipes from famous chefs to help get you started).
4. Get creative with gingham, the campaign theme.
5. Enjoy! And share your photos on social media using #GreatGetTogether and #moreincommon.
There are lots of great resources on the site to help get you started, including printable invitations, posters, and 'conversation menus' to give your guests some topics of conversation to help them get to know each other better.
London Events
The Great Get Together is about bringing neighbours together. Locations throughout London will be participating in the event to foster a sense of community across the city.
The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury will be hosting a Great Get Together Picnic on 17 June, inviting families to bring a picnic lunch and a favourite book to read outside. There will be actors at hand to bring the books to life, hula hoop workshops, and a craft stall.
The Syria Solidarity Campaign will host a Syrian Community Ramadan Iftar dinner for the Great Get Together on 17 June. There will be a pre-dinner screening of the BAFTA award-winning BBC documentary Exodus and talks about the challenges faced by organisations trying to look after refugees and internally displaced people. Meet refugees and learn more about you can help the cause. Book tickets here.
The Great Get Together Bankside, brought to you by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, will be hosting a family-friendly street fest on Sunday 18 June, complete with a dog show, vintage market, wacky races and live music.
Celebrations of diversity in Cox's constituency will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. There will be a storytelling tent, stilt walkers and sack races on 18 June.
