Town starts to celebrate 60th birthday
Harlow Council’s celebrations for the town’s 60th
anniversary started in full swing on Saturday (24 March) with a Mad
Hatters Tea Party, the cutting of two cakes, and the launch of a
new history of Harlow exhibition and Pride in Harlow Awards.
Council Chairman Gregory Peck started the celebrations by
opening the mad hatters tea party in market square. Despite the
cold weather the event was well attended by around 150 children.
The special guest for the day was the UK children’s entertainer of
the year Michael J Fitch. Courtesy of the Council, children enjoyed
traditional party games, mad hat competitions and even an X factor
style talent contest. A giant cake was cut and pieces given
out to all guests. Refreshments were provided by Marks &
Spencer.
From 12noon Councillor Peck hosted an event for local and
regional dignitaries. Guests heard from Council Joint Leader Tony
Durcan, Bill Rammell MP, Jackie Storey from the Civic Society and
Andrea Tomlin from the Youth Council. Councillor Peck also launched
a new history of Harlow display in the Gibberd Gallery and the
Pride in Harlow Awards.
Councillor Peck said: “It was impossible to let this landmark
year go without a suitable celebration and in fact we have a whole
year of events and activities. Those of us that have lived
here for many years, like me, have watched it grow from a town that
was essentially an experiment, into the thriving community that we
have here now. Sixty years after its creation, I believe the town
is entering a new era. It is shaking off the “concrete jungle” tag
that has been attached to new towns. Most people are surprised
about how green Harlow is and what a strong community we have
here.
Talking about the town’s ongoing celebrations throughout the
year, Councillor Peck, said: “We have been delighted to grant aid a
dozen organisations to run their own events and activities such as
street parties and concerts. These grants will help groups to
celebrate in a way that makes the 60th special for
them.”
The Council has organised a full programme of
events. These include a fundraising Diamond Ball for businesses, a
country fair, food and drink festivals, youth concert, tree
plantings, a Teddy Bear’s picnics for toddlers, tea dance for
senior citizens and many more activities. For one week our swimming
pool with be offering entry fees at 10p and 5p, the prices that
swimmers paid when the pool opened in 1961. The Council is also
looking at the feasibility of running Harlow’s first diversity
festival in association with the groups that represent our ethnic
minority communities.
To keep up to date with Harlow Council’s 60th
anniversary events visit our Anniversary Events Page or call
(01279) 446655.
More 60th celebrations photos
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