F is for . . .
Have you ever been to a Fun Palace or even run one yourself? Fun Palaces are free community led events that can be in any community in any location. A Fun Palace is a celebration of each unique community, the interests and passions of those who live there and the difference they can make.
Fun Palaces: support individual and community wellbeing and help people feel happy and less lonely. They are about sharing, working together, meeting new people, having conversations, drinking tea, smiling, and enjoying yourself!
Have a look at the Fun Palaces website to find out more.
They also:
- are a UK and International campaign celebrating the difference local people can make to their community
- help people to learn and (re)discover passions, skills and knowledge that they can share with each other; for example dance, local heritage, singing, languages, coding, carpentry, martial arts or how to make dhal.
- bring people from different ages and backgrounds together, highlighting the spirit of individual communities.
When?
Fun Palaces take place annually during the ‘weekend of action’ on the first weekend of October. They could also take place during the year and/ or be for longer than the October weekend. They are an opportunity to celebrate community led activity that might be happening already, all year round.
Where?
A Fun Palace can run anywhere in a community space – a museum, a library, community centre, street, a gallery, a pub, a church or a park.
How do I know where there is a Fun Palace and how can I take part?
Libraries UnLimited libraries do take part and can offer their space to local people to create and make their own Fun Palaces. Not every Library is doing this yet, whilst some have been doing it for a couple of years, so its worth popping into your local library and having a chat with a member of staff to see if they have any plans to host a Fun Palace. There may not be a programme organised as yet, but you might want to find out what’s going on so you can attend and have a go at what’s on offer.
You may even want to offer to lead a Fun Palace and become a ‘maker’ yourself!
So …..Fun Palaces are community events that:
- are run BY the local community FOR the local community; to share people’s passions and interests and to celebrate, recognise and value these
- are enjoyable and fun and because people want to do it!
- are about getting people talking, smiling, and connecting with each other – through the planning and running of them
- are for wellbeing - so people feel happier and less isolated
- are free - free to enter, free to take part
- are for all ages – not just for children
- are hands on - have a go and take part, learn something new
- are yours – you know your own community. You know how to make YOUR local Fun Palace. Ideas come from local people
Hear more about Fun Palaces by listening to these Podcasts
Want to know what makers need to do? Here’s a link to the Makers toolkit to inspire you.
Finally, your library is a welcoming and safe space for you to use as a member of your community and for your own health and wellbeing. You can find out more about any activities that are available by calling in and talking to a member of the Libraries team.
