In the last two years, following the outbreak of the covid pandemic across the world, we have had to hold our festival on online basis; this was on the back of organising festivals continuously since 1989 despite all kinds of obstacle and hardships.

The impacts of covid on our lives will be felt for many decades to come. The pandemic has been used as an opportunity by government and capitalists to line their own pockets and deepen the cost of living crises, increase unemployment and further deteriorate the working conditions of the people in the world. The Tory government in the UK which chooses not to invest in our public services, prefers a policy of war mongering with its USA ally.

Faced with increasing discontent and public protest, Boris Johnson’s government has passed legislation criminalising democratic protest and migrants, including making it easier to revoke the citizenship of migrant communities. Meanwhile, they apply double standards by breaking almost all covid rules and parliamentary codes of conduct, and then change the rules to prevent accountability. The disdain this government has shown towards migrants is evident in Priti Patel’s racist policy of deporting refugees to Rwanda, which is in breach of international law and human rights.

All these conditions make it even more important that people of all background actively organise. This is the foundation on which our festival is built and will grow.

Our festival brings together, not just the Turkish and Kurdish speaking community, but people from all backgrounds. It is also a platform for people to meet representatives from trade unions and various campaign groups. Our festival will be promoting and advocating the importance of joining the rally and protest against the deepening cost of living crises on 18 June by TUC. This will be followed by a panel meeting on 26 June discussing the recent developments in the UK represented by various campaign groups.

Our culture and arts festival continues to support the working people’s struggle and will end at the park festival on 3 July. The park festival will host musicians and performances from various backgrounds, representing the diversity in our communities.

We look forward to seeing you at our events!