COMMUNITIES across the Forest and Wye Valley are getting together this weekend with a series of events designed to celebrate all that they hold in common.

Events in Mitcheldean, Lydney, Tutshill and Chepstow are taking place under the banner of the ‘Great Get Together’ inspired by the life of murdered MP Jo Cox.

A ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ in Mitcheldean takes place on Saturday, June 17 from 10am to 3pm. The event outside St Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean, is in aid of the Jo Cox Foundation and the church steeple fund.

Chepstow residents are invited to bring a picnic and celebrate together with local groups from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, June 18. Free family entertainment includes a bouncy castle and children’s activities. Visitors are asked to bring the 950 celebration programme for entry.

Tutshill WI is organising a Big Picnic for the Great Get Together on Sunday to be held on the recreation ground in Tutshill from 12pm until 3pm. Spokesperson, Ceri Crossland, said: “We want to encourage the community of Tutshill, and Woodcroft to get together, as inspired by the Big Lunch and the Jo Cox Foundation, and we have Djabot drumming coming along to entertain us.”

Also on Sunday, a tea party is being organised by Lydney Women’s Institute. It takes place at the town’s community centre at 4pm and includes a piano recital by Heidi Walliman.

A spokesperson for the Jo Cox Foundation said: “The Great Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox, who was killed on June 16 last year.

“We believe there is a groundswell of people who reject divisive politics and simply want to bring our communities together and celebrate all that unites us. This is our chance.

“We’re inviting people to get together with neighbours to share food and celebrate all that we hold in common. What matters is that we have fun and bring communities closer together.”