Gypsy Traveller Summer Fair returns to Mile End Park, East London
The Traveller Movement and the local Gypsy and Traveller community celebrated in style on Sunday 28th June with a Summer Fair in Mile End Park, London to mark Gypsy, Roma Traveller History month.
Rosie Toohey, Traveller Movement intern, who helped organise the day said: “It went really well. After all that work we put into organizing it and worrying if anyone would turn up I felt on top of the world when people started arriving and the music started.”
The event was opened by Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs and headlined by the popular and entertaining Seamus Moore (‘The JCB man’) and his band, who played rip-roaring Irish and country music on the main stage, followed by support acts and an open mic competition.
Former Cray’s Hill Parish Priest Father Dan gave with an interfaith sermon and Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs opened the event with a speech. The Traveller Movement is grateful for Tower Hamlets Council, Canary Wharf Group PLC and Continental Holiday Homes Ltd, and Howe and Co Solicitors for their generous help and support.
This was a family fun day and there was plenty for the children to do with a children’s funfair, a bouncy castle, pony rides, five-aside footie and a baby pageant with prizes. There where market stalls selling everything from baby wear to flowers to china and porcelain ware to brand new mobile homes. There were also information stalls showcasing the work of the Traveller Movement and the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit.
Yvonne MacNamara, CEO of the Traveller Movement said: “It was lovely to see so many people turn up from all the local communities. We are so glad that everybody had a good time listening to some great music and browsing the stalls. It was a great day out.”
“Seamus Moore, the JCB man, is a great act with a massive following and we were proud to have him headlining an event celebrating the UK’s Gypsies and Travellers. It was a grand craic and we look forward to meeting you all again next year.”