Southwark leads London plans for global commemoration of Mayflower voyage
8 January 2019
Southwark will be leading London’s commemorations, marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing to America, in 2020. Southwark Council today opened the first round of funding from a pot of £140,000, which will help local people to get involved with London’s international commemoration.
The Mayflower set sail for America from Rotherhithe in July 1620. Captain Jones and many of his crew also lived there, making London central to the historic voyage.
A global programme of events is being organised for the lead up to the anniversary, this will run from November 2019 to November 2020 and include a programme of activities taking place across the UK, Netherlands and America.
Southwark Council, United St Saviour’s Charity and British Land have worked together to establish a Southwark Mayflower 400 Grants Fund, making £140,000 available to local projects celebrating the themes of migration, tolerance, enterprise and community, for the international Mayflower commemoration event.
Cllr Rebecca Lury, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council, said: “I am delighted to open the first round of Mayflower 400 funding and welcome local people to join the global celebration of Southwark’s history with the Mayflower.
“I believe the pursuit of the universal concepts of freedom, liberty and justice are just as relevant now as they were when the ship’s Captain, Christopher Jones, sailed the Mayflower from his home in Rotherhithe, carrying people escaping persecution to America in 1620.
“We hope this funding will help bring the story of the Mayflower to generations to come and that the community connections established throughout Southwark’s celebrations, will form the foundation of many friendships and future activities.”
The council is inviting community groups, tenant and resident associations, faith based organisations, schools and arts, cultural and heritage organisations in SE16, to consider how they could use the Mayflower’s heritage to create meaningful and exciting projects that enhance and highlight its stories for a local and international audience. Projects from groups in SE1 and those based outside the immediate area may also be considered.
People working on smaller activities and events can bid for up to £1,000, while bigger projects and events will be eligible of over £1,000. All initiatives must include a live event or activity to take place in the lead up to the anniversary of the Mayflower sailing in November 2020. They should also take place within the SE16 area or areas of Mayflower significance in the wider SE1 area.
You can find the application criteria and apply for Mayflower 400 funding here: https://www.ustsc.org.uk/mayflower-400-grants-fund/
Page last updated: 08 January 2019
