EXPLORE the history, culture and language of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Hackney and find out more about the history of the borough during a dedicated month of activities and events.

The third annual Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month is launched on 27 May at the Hackney Museum, and communities across the country will be exploring the history of the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union.

Britain’s 300,000 Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have lived, worked and travelled throughout Britain for over 500 years, yet little is known about their history and culture. The result is a widespread ignorance about who they are, which sometimes turns to hatred, fear and misunderstanding.

Throughout the month, Hackney Libraries, together with the Traveller Education Service, the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit and Hackney Museum, and Hackney Homes, will be holding a series of entertaining, interactive family events to help raise awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the borough.

Highlights include the launch of the month at the Hackney Museum on 27 May, 6-7.30pm; and the launch of the Be-Longing: Traveller Stories; Traveller Lives exhibition at Hackney Central Library on 8 June, a unique photographic insight into these communities by Eva Sajovic; arts workshops, Rio Cinema screenings and a fashion show.

Kim Wright, Corporate Director for Community Services, said: “Hackney has a wonderfully diverse history that we are keen to share and celebrate, and I invite everyone to join in and be part of the national celebrations for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.”

As part of the GRTHM celebrations in Hackney, there will also be an Irish Traveller and Roma Live Entertainment show at Homerton Library
on 2 July, 7-9.30pm.

For more information please contact Hackney Libraries and Information Services on 020 8356 1630 or email amber.linell@hackney.gov.uk
For information on Hackney Homes’ Traveller Floating Support Service please contact 020 8356 2894