BackParty like its 1929 with a free street party for Tower Hamlets residents and charities
On Thursday 13 August, national charity Living Streets turns 80 years old. To celebrate our birthday and to demonstrate how our streets can be used as social spaces, Living Streets will be hosting a street party outside their London headquarters in Tower Hamlets. Cars will be replaced with picnicking, children’s games and performers, and there will be chance to get information from a number of local charities.
WHEN: Thursday 13th August, 12 – 4pm, Brick Lane end of Wentworth Street, E1 7SA
The Pedestrians Association (later renamed Living Streets) met for the first time on 13 August 1929 as a direct response to the increased motor traffic on our streets. Cheaper car production meant that the number of motor cars was steeply rising, yet there was no highway code, pedestrian crossings or speed limits and the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured was rising. Within a year of campaigning, the Pedestrians Association had already lobbied for the introduction of driving tests, compulsory third party insurance and footpaths for rural roads.
The hard work has continued over the last 8 decades, with campaigns launched to increase walking levels and to knit communities together through local projects to improve the quality of our local streets.
The street party on our birthday is aimed at bringing together local organisations and residents, to encourage people to get to know each other and their local community whilst enjoying the freedom of a traffic free street.
The day will be packed full of events and stalls and we are urging anyone who lives or works in the area to come and see what it’s all about. Go East London will be offering attendees taster walking tours of the immediate area in and around the street party. Rachel Kolsky, Blue Badge Guide, will bring to life the varied history of the streets and buildings just a stones throw away from Living Streets headquarters on Wentworth Street. Within half an hour or so, you will be transported back in time to hear stories of the Huguenots, the Jewish Community and the current Bengali community.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: ”We are really excited about hosting a street party outside our office next to vibrant Brick Lane. Over the years our streets have become less about people and more about traffic and we hope that this day will make people realise that our streets can be social spaces like they once were. We are really pleased with the number of organisations who are joining us in this celebration and hope that residents will come and see what it’s all about on the day.
“We are the oldest campaigning organisation for pedestrians in the world, and our 80th birthday is a great opportunity to take stock of what our country is like for people on foot today and help us take action to make our streets safe, attractive and enjoyable for all.”
Ahead of our big day in August, we want to find out what is important to you about your streets now. Join our survey by visiting www.livingstreets.org.uk, and help guide our work for the next 80 years! On the big day itself, we want you to join people around the UK and take a photograph that captures the essence of a street you know, and help us build a picture of our streets in 2009. Prizes are up for grabs! To find out more, please visit our website.
Notes to editors
For any press enquiries, please contact Lucy Abell, Communications Manager at lucy.abell@livingstreets.org.uk, tel: 020 7377 4913.
Living Streets, celebrating its 80th birthday this year, is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk/
We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughout our 80 year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of the driving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits. Since then our ambition has grown. Today we influence decision makers nationally and locally, run successful projects to encourage people to walk, and provide specialist consultancy services to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions, improve public health, and make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.
Published on: 09/08/2009
