This weekend thousands of people will come together in their communities across the UK to make Fun Palaces, and it’s not too late for you to either. The Fun Palaces Weekend is a great excuse to get together and get to know the people you live near a bit better.

In recent years, as we’ve seen a widening gap and polarisation between thoughts and ideas, I’ve never felt more sure that creating opportunities for us to come together, and be in person are one part of the puzzle in countering this polarisation, often agitated by the media simply in order to get more clicks. Add to that the closure of many third places (libraries, community centres etc) and with life being pushed online (online shopping, working from home, digital books, takeaway delivery) – there’s less opportunity to meet people different to ourselves, chat, find our common ground and have fun.

Fun Palaces have always believed that culture belongs at the heart of every community, and through using culture and creativity; whether that’s k’nex building, carpentry, dancing, singing, henna, nail art, football or pebble painting, as a means to work together and learn from each other, we can change the narrative or preconceived ideas about where we live and build friendships, relationships and communities.

If you’d like to join in this weekend, it’s really not too late. A Fun Palace can be as small as you like – and an opportunity to get to know some of your neighbours better. If you’re on your own, wondering how on earth to get started, please know that since we began dozens of Fun Palaces were started by just one person. Put up a notice in a café or library and see if anyone else is interested. And as Stella our founder said in 2016: ‘Be brave, talk to strangers. Or be scared and talk to them anyway.’

You can call us at our office and chat through how you might join in, email us, or check out the resources on the Fun Palaces website. Orla, the Fun Palaces executive producer wrote a blog about Tiny and Last Minute Fun Palaces.

Sign up your Fun Palace here.

Photo Credit: Roswitha Chesher