DUNDEE is set to host the first-ever Jock Tamson’s EuropeFest on Bastille Day, marking the anniversary of the French Revolution.
Siobhan Tolland wrote to tell us: “On 14 July, Dundee will host Jock Tamson’s EuropeFest- a day of solidarity and celebration with our European Scots friends.
A joint venture between Dundee and Angus Independence Group and European Citizens for an Independent Scotland (EUCIS), the festival will combine a political rally with speakers such as Eva Bolander, Glasgow ‘s Swedish-born SNP Lord Provost, the Green Party’s Maggie Chapman, SNP MP Chris Law and Nicolas Hatton, founder of the 3Million organisation.
Local European Community leaders and activists will also speak. Polish dance group Polenz will provide entertainment.
Aware that it now clashes with the demonstrations against Donald Trump, the Dundee & Angus Independence group states that the best antidote to the President’s divisiveness is to celebrate our unity through our diversity, and promote Scotland as the welcoming country we are.
European Scots contribute to our society, our culture and our sense of identity. They deserve a hand of friendship and support from our YES movement in these uncertain Brexit times.
EUCIS notes that, for “EU nationals in the UK even two years after the Brexit referendum there continues to be absolutely no certainty about their futures, status, rights, means of application and what happens should Brexit negotiations fall through.”
The “emotional toll this level of uncertainty has taken not only on us, but on those closely connected to us, our partners, friends, colleagues is entirely unsustainable”.
The day encourages pride and a celebration of all our European identities and asks people to wear national dress, the colours of their countries or carry their country’s flag. The aim of the day is to fill Dundee’s streets with the beauty of the colourful European Scotland we are.
The family festival will have Europe-themed kid’s games with a European food market and café, alongside European music and dancing. Children will be encouraged to learn about Europe, its food and its culture in a relaxed and fun way. It is also an opportunity for people to meet and share stories and experiences of our diverse pasts and, hopefully, shared future.
The day will also welcome noted figures such as Clara Ponsati, and Lesley Riddoch who will screen her new Nation films on the Faroe Islands and Iceland. This is a celebration of Europe, but we demand that the EU lead the way in supporting human rights and speaking out against political persecution on our European soil. Their silence does the EU no justice.
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