Queen Mary University of London has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Festival of Communities due to take place on Saturday 8th June in Stepney Green Park.
On 13th May, similar to other universities across the country, a demonstration regarding the Middle East conflict began at Queen Mary’s Mile End campus that involved an encampment. Since the establishment of this encampment several rallies have been held that are increasingly attracting groups external to Queen Mary, and which have required police involvement. There have also been known instances of unlawful and potentially unlawful behaviour.
Given that there is now a real possibility that this year’s Festival of Communities has become a target of a similar rally, we have had no choice but to cancel the event. This is to ensure the health and safety of our staff and students, and the many members of the local community, young and old, with whom we deliver this event or who attend.