Be a part of The Great Get Together

Community groups across Blackburn with Darwen are taking part in The Great Get Together in memory of MP Jo Cox.

The neighbourhood celebrations, which take place over the weekend of 17-18 June, are aimed at bringing people together to celebrate everything that residents have in common and bring communities closer together.

The Great Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox, who was killed on 16 June last year.

It’s intended to draw attention to the majority of people who reject divisive politics and simply want to bring celebrate all that unites us.

Events taking place in the borough include a Social Inclusion Football match at Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre on Friday and a Community Picnic at Witton Park organised by a Blacksnape Residents’ Group on Sunday.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said:

“The Great Get Together is a wonderful idea and a fitting way to remember the inspirational MP Jo Cox who believed people have far more in common than they have things that divide them. ”

“Especially following the appalling events of recent weeks we need now more than ever to realise that together we are stronger and to send the message that we will not those who want to turn us against each other succeed.”

Great Get Together Events

Friday, June 16

Social Inclusion Football League –  Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre, Ewood Park, Blackburn. 11am to 2pm.

Art initiative inviting service users and street neighbours to decorate a giant canvas with messages  and symbols of hope and togetherness.  Creative Support, 38 Wellington Street (St. John’s), Blackburn BB1 8AF. All day. Contact Paul Hardman, 01254 674301

Saturday, June 17

Lammack Big Iftar (local initiative in and around Whinney Lane)

Sunday, June 18

Family Shindig – fun fair rides, children’s games, live bands, bouncy castle. Romney Walk (194), Blackburn, BB1 1PP. Midday – 4pm Children’s games, 3pm onwards bouncy castle and face painting, 4-6pm open mic, 6-9.30pm Live bands).  Ian Calshaw, Romney Voices, 01254 479046

Great Get Together Community Picnic  – organised by Blacksnape Residents’ Group, the Pavillion, Witton Country Park, 3-6pm. Sue Skipper, sueblacksnape@gmail.com 07725 567636

Anyone who wants to organise one of their own can register their event at: https://www.greatgettogether.org

Assembly resources (these include the short video about Jo and The Great Get Together) available to download for pre-school, primary, secondary and sixth-form as well as a teacher guidance document written by the PSHE Association.

Organisers would love to hear what you are planning – please fill in this form to register your event. And if you’d like to speak to someone from The Great Get Together, please email.