From 4-6 October, the Fun Palaces 10th anniversary of this national celebration of culture sees hundreds of free events, inviting locals to join in and express themselves.
They take over spaces ranging from village halls to adventure playgrounds, with activities for people of all ages. Events are across the UK, in Australia and online. A truly global celebration. See everything from DJ workshops in Redruth to bulb planting in Newham, Printmaking in Gateshead, sword fighting in Preston. See online training in contributing to Wikimedia Commons, live from St Andrews. Thay add new events daily for an eclectic weekend of discovery and fun.
The movement is built around the idea of community-led cultural experiences. Each event is designed and delivered by local people who share their talents and passions. As Amie Taylor, Director, explains, “Over the past decade, more than 45,000 people have organised 2,600 events across the UK, attended by over 850,000 people. It’s an exciting moment when Fun Palaces appear all over the country, offering free access to culture and creativity, celebrating the skills and talents of local communities.”
Try something new, connect with others, and showcase what makes their area unique. Whether it’s sharing recipes, learning a new craft, or taking part in a group activity, something for everyone.
Many Fun Palaces work in partnership with well-known institutions with a mix of local talent and professional expertise. The National Trust, Royal Astronomical Society, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are among those involved, providing resources and knowledge.
The annual weekend is all about participation, connection, and celebrating community creativity. It’s never been easier to join in. For a full list of events, visit the Fun Palaces website and find a Fun Palace near you.
Whether you’re in a city, town, or village, you’ll find a local event that’s perfect for you.
Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.