Feature Article

Combating Prejudice with Pride

Weekend Preview by Jake Bowers

Disgusted by the racist attack on Romany migrants to Belfast earlier this week? What better reason to defy the racists by going out and celebrating Gypsy and Traveller culture over the weekend.

Roma Families taken to Safety

When racist thugs used bricks and bottles to drive more than 100 Romanian Romanies from their homes in Belfast in a wave of attacks earlier this week, you’d be forgiven for feeling a mixture of anger and despair. But the events in Belfast re-inforce the fact that ignorance can only be fought with facts and that hatred is best tackled by quiet, determined pride.

So if you are upset by images of Romany families carrying possessions in bundled blankets, and a mother clutching her 5-day-old baby as they are sent packing by a racist mob, there’s no better reason to go out and enjoy the history and culture of Gypsy and Traveller people this weekend. Like last weekend, this weekend provides opportunities wherever you are in England.

June 20 Events

In the East Midlands

History Month Celebrations will be held at the Arkwright Centre in Chesterfield, where there will be cooking, crafts, play, cultural materials, DVDs and workshops. At: The Arkwright Centre, Hardwick Drive, Arkwright Town, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S445BS

In South London

The Lewisham Irish Community Centre will be holding a music event at: Lewisham Irish Centre, 2a Davenport Road SE6

In East London

Akadamia Pstryk will be launching their street exhibition, giant camera obscura, horse & caravan and free books made by Romany young people at: Broadway, Stratford, E15 1NN (outside Stratford shopping centre), outdoors between

In the North West

A Gypsy Roma Traveller and Showman cultural event will celebrate the rich history, culture and heritage of the our communities in Salford and Manchester, at: The Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road, Manchester, M8 8UF

In the South East

Surrey Gypsy and Traveller communities will be celebrating Gypsy and Traveller culture at the Gypsy and Traveller History Day. This free event features wagons, horses, music, history and photos, flowers, peg making, and food. With music by Ambrose Cooper and food by Hilda Brazil. There will also be an archive of photos and Derby memorabilia, with the Romany & Traveller Family History Society and other researchers helping people trace their connections.

Download a flyer with more information [pdf 480kb] >

Bourne Hall
Spring Street
Ewell KT17 1UF

From 10.30am until 5.00pm

In the South West

A Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Skills Event will be held at the Christchurch School and Key Centre, Feltham Lane, Frome, Somerset BA11 5AJ

June 20th Events

In the East Midlands

Listen to Gypsy storyteller Sandy Townsley will tell an amazing story.

The Spirit of the Peaks
Gothic Wharf
Cromford Mill near Matlock
DE4 3RQ

3:00pm

In the South East

A poster competition and scrapbook prize giving event with local traveller families will take place.

Primrose Hall
Ash Hill Road
Ash
Surrey, GU12 5DP