Council Encouraging the “Great Get Together”

Published on: 27 Apr, 2017
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2017

From the Great Get Together website

A national celebration of what we have in common with each other, inspired by the memory of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox is being encouraged and supported by Guildford Borough Council.

The Great Get Together, is aiming to bring local communities together and getting neighbours to connect. The council are supporting it by waiving their normal charges for road closures to allow street parties. Nearly 16,000 events, nationwide, have already been planned.

The events will take place over the weekend of June 17 – 18 2017, with The Big Lunch, Jo Cox Foundation, and dozens of other groups joining forces to invite people to come together with friends, neighbours and others they don’t yet know, for street parties, picnics, BBQs and bake-off competitions. It follows the first anniversary of MP Jo Cox’s murder on 16 June last year.

Cllr Paul Spooner

Council leader, Cllr Paul Spooner said: “We encourage all communities across Guildford to take part in the Great Get Together in June by organising events or activities that bring people together.

“There are some great ideas on the Great Get Together website, where residents can sign-up to register their event and find out what is happening in their area. We will be making it free to apply for road closures for any street parties and other events that need them, saving organisers over £130.”

“We’re hoping that this will be the biggest event of its kind since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. By providing an opportunity to celebrate all that our communities hold in common, the Great Get Together is a fitting tribute to the memory of Jo Cox.”

George Dokimakis

George Dokimakis, chair of Guildford Labour said: “This is a good initiative by the council to help people organise events in their neighbourhoods without having to consider the financial strain road closure applications would create.

“We need to strengthen our community bonds that have been deeply divided following the referendum. We are better together.

“I hope our fellow residents will take the council up on the offer organise such events across our borough.”

If a proposed party or event will require a road closure, residents can apply at http://www.guildford.gov.uk/apply or contact the council’s legal team at BusinessSupportLegal@guildford.gov.uk or 01483 444120.

For more information on the Great Get Together, visit: www.greatgettogether.org