The Great Get Together Bankside returns for second year

Launched last year to as part of the nationwide 'The Great Get Together' initiative inspired by the late Jo Cox MP, the Southwark event is organised by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and draws together many local businesses and organisations to put on one of the largest community events of the year.

The street party took place on Union Street between Borough High Street and Southwark Bridge Road and on Redcross Way south of Southwark Street.

Many popular elements from the 2017 event – including the dog show, wacky races and the bake-off – were included this time, as well as new additions such as the participation of the Castellers of London Catalan human tower group.

"Only on Bankside could you get an event like this, and an outpouring of communal love and dedication to this area, and long may it continue" said Cllr Catherine Rose, Mayor of Southwark.

The official opening was carried out by Maureen Lynch, a long-standing local resident and campaigner.

Bankside Open Spaces Trust vice-chair Joseph Bonner said: "We want to celebrate our global community and highlight the rich diversity of Bankside's history and present life. Bankside Open Spaces Trust brings people together every day in our parks and gardens.

"The Great Get Together gives us a chance to celebrate all that unites us as the wonderful mix of people from all over the world who live and work here – making it the vibrant, much-loved community it is today."