Thousands of events are now expected to take place across London between June 16 and 18 as part of ‘The Great Get Together’, a weekend of community celebrations inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that ‘we have far more in common than that which divides us’.

Brendan Cox said he was “thrilled’ that so many people in the capital had responded to the call to mark the anniversary of his wife’s death by getting together with our neighbours and celebrating what we have in common.

Since the beginning of the year the Jo Cox Foundation has teamed up with The Big Lunch to make ‘The Great Get Together’ the biggest event of its kind since the Diamond Jubilee.

With a month to go, over 100,000 events are expected nationally. All sorts, both big and small, will be happening across the city, with everything from street parties and Iftars to barbeques and bake offs planned.

Among the events taking place are a street party on Bankside, with a dog show, city farm and wacky races. Crouch End Festival will feature a Big Lunch on their family day and the weekend will culminate with a Big Lunch at the Olympic Stadium, likely to attract up to 10,000 people.

Chris Arnold, co-organiser of Crouch End Festival, says: “Crouch End Festival is the UK's largest community arts festival and clearly the 'community' bit is only bettered by participating in The Big Lunch. After all, who doesn't like a picnic and who doesn't love the Eden Project.”

Jon Tighe, who is organising the 4th Big Lunch at Potters Fields and St John’s Churchyard on 18 June, said: “We continue to run the event as it’s a great way to engage with the local community and businesses. It’s also a great chance for residents to meet their neighbours, reducing social isolation.”

Jon is expecting to welcome up to 1,500 people to the Southwark-based Big Lunch, which initially consisted of just a long table in a park where residents would bring their lunch to eat together on one day of the year.

Joseph Bonner, of Bankside Open Spaces Trust, organisers of the Bankside event, said: “Inspired by the beliefs of Jo Cox and the extraordinary women associated with the area, we want to host a street party to celebrate all that we hold in common. 

The Great Get Together also has the backing of over one hundred other organisations - from Help for Heroes to Amnesty International, the RNLI to the RSPB, the Scouts, the Guides, The Rotary Club, The Women's Institute and The Premier League.

Brendan Cox said: “I am humbled that so many people in London have said they want to take part in The Great Get Together.

“I think the huge response is because we’re tapping into the national mood.

“A desire for unity and togetherness rather than the divisiveness of politics and the public debate in recent years.”

The Great Get Together will kick off on Friday, June 16th with events in Jo’s former constituency of Batley and Spen and will continue through the weekend, culminating in Big Lunches across the UK and concluding with a huge party in the Olympic Park on June 18th.

www.greatgettogether.org

www.TheBigLunch.com