Celtic league: London's Celtic identity should be celebrated

The General Secretary (GS) of the League has followed up calls to the new Mayor of London by the England Branch of the League asking him if he will consider continuing to sponsor the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in the city, as his predecessor did.

Today London must be one of the largest centres of the Celtic diaspora. In that context the GS further asks if the Mayor will consider inaugurating and sponsoring celebrations of other patron saints from the Celtic countries in London. Over the years sizeable Cornish, mIrish, Scottish and Welsh communities have grown up in London, in much the same way as the Breton community has developed in Paris. Last year saw one of the biggest Breton parades in Paris, which is held on an annual mbasis and attracted thousands of spectators.

Boris Johnson took over as Mayor of London from Ken Livingstone on 4th May 2008. Mr Livingstone was the first Mayor of London since the role was created on 4th May 2000.

The letter has also been copied to the London groups and societies that represent the interests of the respective Celtic communities in London. The full text of the GS letter can be found below:

«Boris Johnson Mayor of London Greater London Authority City Hall The Queen's Walk More London London SE1 2AA

mayor@...

Dear Mayor Boris Johnson

Patron saint celebrations in London

As you will be aware, the former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, used to sponsor a St Partick's Day celebration in the city of London.

I am therefore writing to you to enquire if you are planning to continue to do the same, as the current Mayor. Moreover, would you be prepared to further consider inaugurating and sponsoring celebrations for the other Celtic patron saints of Saint Andrew's Day (Alba/Scotland on 30th November), Saint David's Day (Cymru/Wales on 1st March) and Saint Piran's Day (Kernow/Cornwall on 5th March)?

There are large communities of Cornish, Irish, Scottish and Welsh people living in London and I am sure that a sponsored celebration of each patron saint would be well appreciated, in much the same way as the Breton parade in Paris attracts thousands of spectators each year.

We look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League

CC London Welsh Centre London Irish Centre London Cornish Association Scots in London»

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

05/07/08