In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of an event held in memory of Jo Cox, the Batley and Spen MP murdered 10 years ago, the mayors of Harrogate and Knaresborough were photographed dancing together in their mayoral chains during a joyful well-being session at this year’s Great Get Together on Saturday 20 June.
But although she may no longer be here, Jo Cox left a wonderful and enduring message: that we have far more in common than that which divides us.
The sight of Harrogate and Knaresborough’s mayors setting aside their civic boundaries to dance together was a fitting tribute to that message, with connection, humour, and humanity on full display.
The “Great Get Together“
More in Common Harrogate & Knaresborough (MICHK), in partnership with the Jo Cox Foundation, organised this year’s Great Get Together event which was held at the West Park Centre, Harrogate. MICHK is a community group working to build connection across the towns. The Great Get Together is a series of annual events around the country, held in memory of Jo Cox MP, who was murdered in 2016.
The day brought together around 300 people of all ages and backgrounds for an afternoon of music, creativity and conversation in a warm and relaxed atmosphere that embodied everything Jo Cox stood for. And over 200 people were fed at the event, too.
Thanks to the generosity of more than 25 local businesses across Harrogate and Knaresborough, the success of the day was assured. Between them, they had donated over £3000 worth of food, prizes and vouchers to the event. The very well-stocked tombola that resulted proved to be a real highlight of the afternoon with visitors, and helped ensure the event offered a warm welcome to all.
Also on the day, a striking community art installation depicting the trees of Harrogate and Knaresborough was created: a lasting symbol of the roots shared by the two town communities.
A moment that matters
This year’s event carried particular significance. 16 June 2026 marked ten years since Jo Cox was killed in Birstall, West Yorkshire. It was a terrible and shocking event. Her loss was dreadful, but it also sparked a remarkable legacy. The Great Get Together was created in her name, and her words — “we are far more united, and have far more in common with each other, than things that divide us” — continue to be an inspiration to communities across the country.
Community and business support
MICHK will shortly launch a More in Common Charter, which will invite local businesses, organisations, and residents to sign up to a set of shared values. It will represent a public commitment to fostering kindness, connection, and community. Any businesses wishing to find out more are encouraged to get in touch with MICHK.
Jo Webb, chair of MICHK said: “Saturday showed what happens when a community simply decides to come together. There was laughter, dancing, food, art, and conversations between people who might never otherwise have met. Seeing the two mayors dancing together in their chains said it all — this is exactly what Jo Cox’s legacy calls us to do, and I am so proud of what our community created on the day.”
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