Whoever you are, and whatever you believe, you're welcome on the day of the King's coronation for an alternative community party.
The Newington Green Meeting House is one of the oldest hotbeds of political radicalism in London. It was founded back in the 18th century by Dissenters, who were barred from the established church headed by the monarch. In 1776, our most famous early Minister Dr. Richard Price (who was recently memorialised on Newington Green by TV star Huw Edwards) famously sided with American revolutionaries in the face of George III's attempts to defeat independence.
The building went on to play home to people who also shaped fights against royal power in France, and it was also host to a wider set of radicals - including iconic feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft. Today, the modern-day Dissenting and Unitarian community here (which includes people of non-religious and other beliefs) still believes that it's the people, first and foremost, who hold the power to create change.
So if the pomp and circumstance of Coronation Day street parties and rolling TV coverage doesn't take your fancy, why not instead come down to this historic home of radicalism for a Saturday evening of camaraderie and fun with neighbours and friends? Whether you're a republican, a monarchist or you don't have a view, you're more than welcome to join us to raise a toast to the community, solidarity and radical spirit that led the author Alex Allardyce to describe Newington Green as the "village that changed the world".
Join us to discover the fascinating history – and present – behind our doors. Doors will open at 7pm for some performances followed by a chance to chat, get some free food, buy a drink and explore the building, drop in and leave as you like, and bring your tolerance and friendliness so we can share the spirit of the evening. There'll be free food, a bar, a playlist of radical and republican tunes from across the centuries, a stall for some finely-selected revolutionary merch, a chance to see our latest exhibition, a photo-montage throwback to Hackney's history of resistance, a self-guided audio tour of the building, and much more.
When the current King got married to Princess Diana in July 1981, the area played host to a Rock Against Racism event called "Funk the Wedding" - held up the road in Clissold Park. We can't promise rock, or summer weather, but we can promise a fun and friendly evening out! The event is free entry, with an opportunity to make an optional donation to New Unity to help it build love and justice in the community and wider world, and also to help it maintain this precious building for future generations.
Musical acts: