Stories of 71

As part of Bangladesh 50 celebrations, we’re hosting two events honouring the powerful history of Bengalis (in the UK and Bangladesh) during the liberation struggle in 1971.

With lockdown finally easing and the sun making an appearance, Toynbee Hall is delighted to open its doors on Sunday 4th July – inviting you to two events honouring the powerful history of Bengalis (in the UK and Bangladesh) during the liberation struggle in 1971.

With storytelling and music as a powerful and important aspect of Bengali culture, we’ve been working with Swadhinata Trust, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives and Shamim Azad to capture some of this heritage in an exciting and interactive way. So come join us on Sunday 4^th July for a performative story & music walking tour around the East End in the morning or a community celebration in the afternoon – or both!

If you have questions about the events, please get in touch whenwespeak@toynbeehall.org.uk

Stories of 71: Performative Music and Storytelling walking Tour

Sunday 4^th July – Meet at 10:45am outside Toynbee Hall, 11am – 13:30

Join local storyteller Shamim Azad,  musicians Paul Burgess and Amit Dey, and the Swadhinata Trust as we journey through the local area, visiting places that hold a connection to British Bengali Heritage and the 1971 War of Independence. At each location, Shamim will lead a short story & musical performance to capture some of this important heritage.  

This is a free event but booking is required as numbers are limited– please register on Eventbrite here

Stories of 71: Celebrating Bangladesh50 at Toynbee Hall

Sunday 4^th July, 14:30 – 17:30

Come join us for an afternoon of music, food and community storytelling at Toynbee, where our historic halls were an important meeting site for Bengali activists during 1971.

Winners of the our Stories of 71 Short Story Competition we held back in March/April 2021 will also be performing their pieces.

This is a free event but booking is required as numbers are limited – please register on Eventbrite here

This activity will take place in accordance with the national and local COVID restrictions at the time. This will include wearing masks and adhering to social distancing rules. We will update you on the full procedures in place ahead of the event.