Just thought you might like to know – be good neighbours.
European Capital of Neighbourliness
Liverpool residents are getting ready to play their part in a mass celebration of community spirit.
More than 7 million people across the continent are expected to take part in the annual European Neighbours’ Day festivities on Tuesday, May 27 2008
Liverpool’s own programme for the day is being co-ordinated by the Liverpool Culture Company, in conjunction with Liverpool City Council’s Neighbourhood Services and local housing associations, and includes coffee mornings, carnivals, garden parties and community gatherings. There’s also a chance to see work created as part of the Four Corners projects, which involves residents producing art to celebrate their local community.
And Liverpool’s first citizen will be marking European Neighbours’ Day with a special gathering for his own ‘neighbours’ – Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Rotheram, has invited businesses in the Castle Street area to join him for a Town Hall tea party.
Councillor Rotheram said: “Fostering good neighbourhood relations can help make our communities safer and happier places to live, and I’m delighted that Liverpool is embracing European Neighbours’ Day this year.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get to know their fellow residents and celebrate the importance of community spirit.
”And it’s particularly fitting that we’re involved in such a major pan-European event during our year as European Capital of Culture.”
Established in France in 1999, this year’s European Neighbours’ Day festivities are the first to be officially recognised by the European Commission following its recent confirmation as patron of the event. Earlier this month Liverpool Town Hall hosted the official launch of European Neighbours’ Day 2008, which was attended by Atanase Perifan, event founder and President of the European Federation of Local Solidarity.
European Neighbours’ Day highlights in Liverpool:
– Cake & Kindness – The Everyman & Playhouse show their community film ‘On the Edge’, which was produced for this year’s Four Corners project. Participants and artists will be on hand with cake (and kindness!). BBC Big Screen, Clayton Square, 10.30am.
– Carnival in Stanley Park – A family fun day organised by Anfield Breckside Community Council, featuring stalls, entertainment, dancing and music. Stanley Park, Anfield, 11am – 3pm.
– Fun Day in Garston – Organised by South Liverpool Housing. St Benedicts College, Garston. 1pm to 4pm.
– Community Day – Family fun day organised by Liverpool Housing Trust, featuring face painting, bingo, karaoke, and more. St Domingo Community Centre, L5, 1pm to 4pm.
– Mal Peet’s mass readings – As part of the Four Corners project, Author Mal Peet will tour around Alt Valley to see how community reading groups has responded to his books.