Gypsy Roma Traveller Month comes to Hackney

Explore the history, cultures and languages of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Hackney next month and find out more about the borough’s history.

Throughout June Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across Britain will be celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Month (GRTHM) to raise awareness and explore the history of the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union.

Britain’s 300,000 Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have lived, worked and travelled throughout Britain for over 500 years, yet little is known about their history and culture. The result is a widespread ignorance about who they are, which sometimes turns to hatred, fear and misunderstanding.

Throughout the month, Hackney Council together with the Learning Trust’s Travellers Education Service, Hackney Homes and the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit will be holding a series of entertaining, interactive family events to help raise awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the borough.

Highlights include the launch event at Hackney Museum with Roma dancing, music and food, Friday 1 June 4.30- 6pm; a one -off live music and dance workshop; Traveller Lives on Film – a real alternative to My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and an exciting creative arts session in local libraries.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Culture said: “Hackney has a wonderfully diverse community that we should celebrate. June’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Month give us all an opportunity to find out more about Hackney’s vibrant history and the communities that helped shape it.”

A full list of the Hackney’s events to raise awareness and explore the history, cultures and languageS of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities is available at http://www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm or pick up a leaflet at your local library.