Friendship, kindness and community were at the heart of a special afternoon in Bryntirion on Friday 19th June, as residents from across Bridgend & Porthcawl came together for this year’s Great Get Together.
Hosted by Chris Elmore MP at Bryntirion Community Centre, the event formed part of the Great Get Together – a nationwide initiative led by the Jo Cox Foundation. Every year, communities across the UK come together on the weekend closest to Jo Cox’s birthday to celebrate everything that unites us. From community picnics and coffee mornings to street parties, neighbourhood gatherings and family events, thousands of people take part, strengthening community spirit and creating new friendships.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a video of the event 👇
The Great Get Together was established in memory of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was tragically murdered in 2016. Inspired by Jo’s belief that “we have more in common than that which divides us”, the Jo Cox Foundation continues to encourage people to come together, tackle loneliness, celebrate diversity and build stronger, more connected communities.
Residents enjoyed an afternoon of conversation, refreshments and entertainment, with one of the highlights being a wonderful performance from the Trelales Primary School Choir. Their singing brought younger and older generations together, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere that perfectly reflected the spirit of the Great Get Together.
Members of the Bryntirion Young at Heart Group enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with friends and celebrate community.
The event was generously supported by Novomatic Gaming UK based on the Bridgend Industrial Estate and Jenkins Bakery at the Rhiw Shopping Centre, whose contributions helped make the afternoon possible.
Chris Elmore MP said:
“One of the greatest strengths of Bridgend & Porthcawl is our community spirit, and events like the Great Get Together are a wonderful reminder of that.
“It was fantastic to see people of all ages coming together to enjoy an afternoon of friendship, conversation and music. Seeing younger and older generations sharing the afternoon together captured exactly what the Great Get Together is all about.
“Jo Cox believed that we have far more in common than that which divides us, and that message is just as important today as it has ever been. I’d like to thank everyone who came along, the Bryntirion Young at Heart Group, the pupils and staff from Trelales Primary School, and our supporters Novomatic Gaming UK and Jenkins Bakery for helping make the event such a success.”
Across the UK, thousands of Great Get Together events took place over the weekend, each sharing the same aim: bringing people together, celebrating kindness and reminding us that strong communities are built through friendship, understanding and looking out for one another.
Chris added:
“It was a privilege to host this year’s Great Get Together and spend time with so many people from across our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon so memorable. I look forward to supporting many more events that bring people together and celebrate everything that’s great about Bridgend & Porthcawl.”
For more information about the Great Get Together and the work of the Jo Cox Foundation, visit www.jocoxfoundation.org.