This weekend Alsop High School became a beacon of HOPE as community members gathered to celebrate “more in common”, in memory of Jo Cox.

The sun shone as the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy addressed those assembled and spoke of the work and legacy of the late Jo Cox, MP. Councillor Kennedy spoke of the need for communities to work together to bring lasting change to their neighbourhoods.

Alsop students pledged to work together to ensure that hatred is never allowed to divide their community. They then launched forty-three red balloons to remember Jo Cox’s birthday.

Students, parents, residents and representatives of faith communities gathered to enjoy a free picnic lunch, a shared drink and a chat. Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir performed a wide repertoire of traditional and contemporary music. A Liverpool cabaret artist, Karl Heyward performed on the outdoor stage as market stalls traded food, drink, ice-creams and gifts.

Mr Joe Mangan, Headteacher comments:

“We were delighted that the local community responded to our invitation celebrate the fact that we have “more in common. I would like to thank our amazing students who worked so hard on the day to make this a successful community event.”

The idea for the event came from the Alsop Young Leaders who are working towards achieving the Archbishop of York Youth Award. This is a unique active citizenship programme which empowers young people to make a difference in their local community whilst growing in key leadership skills at the same time. These young people are very keen to see improvements in their local community and they are determined to “Be the Change you want to See.”

Brendan Cox said his wife “would have loved” The Great Get Together, but that the celebration was “tapping into something more important”.

“Politics at the moment is so divisive,” he said. “We spend so much time talking about the areas we disagree with each other on, finding a moment like this when we get together with neighbours and have a good time in parks and streets up and down the country, is exactly what we need. If people feel closer to their communities, that’s exactly how Jo would want to be remembered.”