A star-studded party came to the streets of Southwark at the start of this month as The Great Get Together Bankside returned in-person.
Now in its fifth year, The Great Get Together Bankside is part of a nationwide series of activities to commemorate Jo Cox MP, who was killed in 2016.’
Due to Covid restrictions, the event took place later than usual and was arranged to coincide with the arrival of over sixty bike riders who cycled 280 miles from Batley and Spen in Yorkshire – Jo’s former constituency, now held by her sister Kim Leadbeater – as part of the “Jo Cox Way”. The riders ended their five-day journey in Bankside and helped kick-off the Great Get Together.
Kim and her parents, Jean and Gordon Leadbeater, joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Southwark to give a rousing welcome to the riders.
Kim said: “It’s a very emotional day but we’ve developed a really great relationship with the people here in Bankside and appreciate so much how they’ve continued to host a fantastic Great Get Together this year.”
Surprise special guest Jackie Weaver – of Handforth Parish Council fame – appeared via the big screen to open the event officially, alongside the Mayor, Cllr Barrie Hargrove. Jackie was joined virtually by Olympic diver Tom Daley, BBC broadcaster Martha Kearney, Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, LBC broadcaster Iain Dale and others to show their support for the event.
Festivities included the dog show the Bankside “Bark-Off” with broadcaster Anna Webb; Bake-Off; Wacky Races; and a range of music, street performances, creative installations, and stalls from community groups.
Speaking about the event, Amir Eden, who leads Living Bankside, the group that organised the event said: “Delighted, although a bit daunted, to have taken on the mantle of hosting The Great Get Together Bankside this year. Living Bankside took up the challenge of hosting the event following a number of conversations with residents and others…and we were delighted with the support and encouragement of so many to make today happen.”