Community groups in Ely are asking people to get together and celebrate that ‘we have more in common than the things that divide us’, on Saturday (17).

The Great Get Together 2017 (GGT) is a series of community events meant to bring people together in a spirit of friendship and tolerance, on the anniversary of MP Jo Cox’s murder by a far-right extremist.

In Ely, there will be a market stall from 9am – 12pm, offering an opportunity to say hello, find out more about the day, and have a chance to win amazing prizes in a silent auction and raffle. From 10am – 12pm, a coffee morning will take place at the Methodist Chapel on Chapel Street, with delicious cakes and treats provided by Samovar Tea House, giving people a chance to chat and get to know each other.

During the afternoon, from 1pm – 5pm, everyone is invited to the main Great Get Together event, at St Mary’s Church, for food, friendship and fun. People are asked to bring their favourite or traditional dish to share.

There will be activities for children, as well as a chance to watch short films reflecting the refugee crisis, to coincide with the start of Refugee Week.

Ely’s events have been organised by Cambridgeshire HOPE not hate and Ely Community Against Hate, with support from Ely Refugee Resettlement Campaign, Ely Amnesty International and many individuals.

Elisabeth Pop, HOPE not hate senior organiser and coordinator for Cambridgeshire branch, said: “The Ely Great Get Together is all about celebrating Jo’s spirit of tolerance and community cohesion. These might be testing times, but people are coming together in Ely on Saturday, and across the county and country in HOPE and unity. We are proud to coordinate the Ely GGT and have the support of so many people.

Alex Higgs of Ely Community Against Hate added: “We are looking forward to a day full of positivity, support and celebration of the good message that love and tolerance can win over fear and hate.

“Given the terrible events of the past weeks and the fact we are in the holy month of Ramadan, the organisers are also proud to support the Ely Muslim Association (EMA) in organising a Great Get Together – Big Iftar on Sunday.