ALL are invited to a series of special events celebrating Middlesbrough’s diversity and shared values this weekend.
The Great Get Together events at Middlesbrough’s Community Hubs over the weekend of June 16 to 18 are among thousands of similar gatherings taking place across the UK.
The biggest neighbourhood celebrations since the Jubilee street parties are inspired by MP Jo Cox, who was killed on June 16 last year.
Over the weekend of June 16 to 18, with the backing of Jo’s family and friends, local people are being invited to get together with their neighbours to share food and celebrate all that we hold in common.
Events can be a street party or a shared barbecue, a picnic or a bake-off – the emphasis in on having fun and bringing communities closer together.
Over 70 people are expected to attend an evening Great Get Together and Big Iftar organised by the Middlesbrough Interfaith Network with the Newport Community Hub and will take place at Newport Settlement on Saturday, June 17.
Attendees will include Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald and Cleveland Deputy Chief Constable Simon Nickless.
The Big Iftar is a chance for the Muslim communities to open up Ramadan to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Representatives of various faiths – Jewish, Muslim, Sikh Hindu and Christian – will give an overview of why they fast, and Radio Ramadan will be broadcasting live from the event.
Middlesbrough Great Get Together events:
- Grove Hill Community Hub Saturday, June 17, 11am – 1pm
- Thorntree Community Hub Saturday, June 17, 11.30am – 1.30pm
- Easterside Community Hub and St Agnes Church Saturday, June 17, 2pm – 4pm
- North Ormesby Trinity Centre Sunday, June 18, 1pm – 3pm
Shahda Khan, Middlesbrough Council’s Principal Partnerships & Cohesion Officer, said: “The tragic death of Jo Cox last year and more recent events have brought home the need for us all to come together in rejection of the politics of division and hatred.
“In her maiden speech in the Commons, Jo famously said we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than the things that divide us.
“The Great Get Together is a celebration of that attitude, along with a chance to meet new people and learn about other cultures.”
- For more information on Great Get Together events taking place locally, regionally and nationally visit www.greatgettogether.org