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‘What an awesome day!’ York turns out in glorious sunshine for the Great Get Together

Tea - and music – in Rowntree Park. Photograph: Kate Lock
@ Community news

York came together in the sunshine this weekend to celebrate what we have in common.

People picnicked and partied at various events staged as part of the Great Get Together, in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.

A year after she died, people joined together to prove that #moreincommon was much bigger than a hashtag.

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‘It was so inspiring’

The Great Get Together in Homestead Park. Photograph: Anna Perrett

One of the first event to get the weekend underway was the Clifton Community Picnic.

Around 50 York residents gathered in Homestead Park on Saturday, sharing their food, getting to know their neighbours and enjoying the stunning gardens.

Organiser Anna Perrett said:

It was so inspiring to see people coming together, and after so many recent tragedies that have happened nationally, many people who attended told me that events like The Great Get Together are more necessary than ever to let people know that the local community is here to support those in need.

Politicians showed their support, with York Central MP Rachael Maskell and Clifton councillors Margaret Wells and Stuart Rawlings meeting residents and sharing in the fun.

Tea and street parties

The scene in Rowntree Park. Photograph © Jackie Fitt on Twitter

Tea In The Park and Community Jam featured singing in the wood, yoga, games and a bird trail all in Rowntree Park.

It was organised by Kate Lock, Imelda Havers and Lyndall Nicoll of Glass Half Full, and journalist Jacey Lamerton, with help from Barry Beckwith of Red Tower, and support from the Friends of Rowntree Park.

Rachael Maskell and newly-elected Micklegate ward councillor Johnny Crawshaw both joined in the fun.

Musicians turned out to provide informal entertainment for the picnic, which took place in the performance area of the park.

Park people – L-R: Barry Beckwith, Rachael Maskell, Jacey Lamerton, Kate Lock and Imelda Havers

It was a really beautiful and relaxed afternoon.

The singing in the wood – led by Jon Hughes, director of the Stonegate Singers Community Choir – was particularly lovely and sounded quite ethereal.

We learned two songs by ear and about 50 people did it. We also enjoyed doing sun salutations with Jon to chill out at the end.

– Kate Lock

There were similar scenes on Scarcroft Green as people sat down together for picnics while children played in the sunshine.

In Glen Gardens, people enjoyed refreshments sold in a pop-up kiosk, with all funds raised going to the Jo Cox Foundation.

And the Claremont Terrace Residents’ Association organised a street party, one of several which sprang up around the city.

‘Well done all’

Lots of people turned out for the event on Acomb Green. Photograph © Jamie Baker on Facebook

Organised by the Acomb Collective, the Great Get Together on Acomb Green included delicious treats donated by Tea On The Green and the Pig And Pastry.

Jamie Baker wrote on Facebook: “What an awesome day! Well done all! So lovely to meet so many new and old friends.”

People picnicked in the sunshine in Derwenthorpe, while Waterstones York, people were brought together through their love of reading with a book swap.

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