The big Harrow community event that we have all been waiting for is almost here.
Under One Sky takes place on Sunday, September 21 in Byron Park from 12pm, celebrating culture and diversity as well as the borough’s Diamond Jubilee.
Sixty years ago, in May 1954, Her Majesty the Queen incorporated the borough and the London Borough of Harrow was born - the first Chartered Borough to be created in the post-war era.
Harrow is the only London borough to have had no boundary change from the single former district. Over the past sixty years, we have seen Harrow change and emerge as one of the most culturally and religiously diverse boroughs in the country.
In 1954, Harrow had a population of 219,494 with 15 wards covering 19.6 square miles (from the 1951 Census). Thousands of residents lived without amenities which we now take for granted - such as piped water, an indoor toilet and a bath. Around this time, Harrow saw over 50% of school children leaving school under the age of 15.
Today, Harrow has a population of 243,372, with 21 wards and the size of the borough has slightly increased to 20 square miles. Significant changes from 1951 include all households now having those basic amenities and school children staying in school until the age of 16 with the option of further education or training.
Harrow has become an ever more diverse borough since 1954, and today over 80 different languages are spoken in our schools and our residents come from around the world, from countries near and far, such as India, Ireland, Kenya, Romania and Sri Lanka: contributing to Harrow being one of the most culturally and religiously diverse boroughs in the country.
The borough has more than 80 places of worship representing various faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. The borough has also secured the status of becoming an entrepreneurial hotspot, with over 9000 businesses starting up in Harrow.
Harrow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Culture and Resident Engagement, Councillor Sue Anderson said: “Over the last 60 years we have seen individuals and communities from all cultures, religions and backgrounds getting on and living together peacefully – all under one sky - and this weekend’s event celebrates our rich diversity and culture.
"I hope that everyone comes along to what promises to be a fantastic day out for everyone in Harrow.”
Under One Sky takes places on Sunday, September 21 at Bryon Park from 12pm with a range of performances, music, dance, workshops, stalls and entertainment.
Does anyone have an photos of Harrow from 60 years ago, if so email newsharrow@trinitysouth.co.uk
