Festival of Communities draws crowd of 7,000

The Festival showcases some of Queen Mary’s leading research and each year attracts thousands of people from different East End communities.

Held annually, the Festival brings together Queen Mary researchers and local community groups to celebrate everything that makes Tower Hamlets a fantastic place to live and work through games, sports, crafts, and other family friendly activities and events.

The first day saw thousands taking part in activities such as strength tests, pizza-making, and playing robots at Tic Tac Toe – offering attendees the chance to get close to some of the exciting research happening at Queen Mary. Children and adults also learnt about the latest cancer research techniques and how to use renewable energy efficiently.

The following day, at Queen Mary’s Mile End campus, the Festival continued with highlights of the day including interactive demonstrations about black holes and exoplanets, calligraphy lessons, and lots of quizzes and games.

Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal, Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Queen Mary, said: “The Festival of Communities is such an impressively joyful and heart-warming occasion. A huge Thank You to all of those who helped to make it happen.”

Sarah Gifford, Community Engagement Manager at Queen Mary, said: “We’re thrilled that this year’s Festival was such a huge success and to have seen so many people enjoying themselves over the weekend.

“The Festival provides an opportunity to bring our communities together, build new connections and inspire people to pursue their interests. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!"

Chinny Ejiogu, from the East London NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Festival of Communities is a very powerful way of connecting people at a time when division is resurfacing again in our society, especially through social media. Doing this event, I have learned that creativity can play a big part in bringing communities together."