19
Jun
Communities to gather at Great Get Together in Harrogate
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People from different communities across the district will gather in Harrogate tomorrow for a free festival to mark the 10th anniversary of the Great Get Together.
The original Great Get Together was held in 2017, a year after Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox was murdered a week before the EU referendum. In her maiden speech to Parliament, she said we have "far more in common than that which divides us" – words that have since inspired street parties, picnics and community events across the UK every June.
The aim is to provide an opportunity for people who don't often have the chance to meet to enjoy each other's company. Organisers from the More In Common Network Harrogate and Knaresborough say that the need for events such as this has grown, as communities are increasingly polarised and many people report feeling more isolated than ever.
Tomorrow's event at the West Park Centre will include Harrogate's Ukrainian community, Harrogate Islamic Association, the Wellbeing Choir, a local DJ, Mimesis and Rossett High School music students, as well as food from the Afghan Kitchen.
Jo Webb, chair of the More in Common Network Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:
We have more in common than that which divides us. The Great Get Together is our chance to celebrate that – with music, food, creativity, and conversation. Everyone is welcome and everything is free, come along on your own, with your family or with friends.
I want to thank all the community groups, businesses and individuals who are giving their time, energy and donations to make this happen – their support, and that of the North Yorkshire Inspire Fund, makes this free event possible.
The event will also include dancing with Dancing for Wellbeing, arts and crafts with artist Katie Edwards, children's storytelling with Francine Holdroyd, games with Francesca Pezzino, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
The Great Get Together will be held from 12.30pm to 4.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, June 20) at the West Park Centre (on the corner of West Park and Victoria Avenue) in Harrogate.
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