The Centre hosted an amazing Fun Palace event on 5th October as part of an international campaign for cultural democracy that believes there’s a genius in everyone.
Fun Palaces take place every year as part of an annual weekend of action that has community at its heart. Our event was called ‘Beautifully Bonkers’ and focused on recycling and up-cycling.
Attendees were encouraged to get messy, get creative, be adventurous and play. The day combined arts, craft, science, tech, digital, heritage and sports activities, led by local people collaborating and sharing their passions and skills.
Hundreds of adults and children attended the carnival atmosphere occasion. Stalls were running craft sessions that included constructing an entire water fountain from recycled bottles, apron making, soap making using only naturally sourced ingredients, designing up-cycled brooches and portrait drawing clubs. One stall was devoted to exploring the oceans and a there was also a highly popular slime-making workshop.
Other stands provided information on waste and recycling, reducing energy bills and ways to get involved in the community.
The food on offer had Ethiopian and Korean themes, created by an incredible team of volunteers who worked hard to feed everyone and keep the fun and creativity well-fuelled.
Jessica Walker, project manager for the event said:
“It was brilliant seeing so many local people coming out to be curious and get involved with the weird and wonderful activities going on. It was a fun and powerful gathering that many people will remember for a long time. We have no doubt it will act as a catalyst for change both for those individuals who attended and for the community as a whole”.
Thank you
Big thank yous to everyone who attended and took part, including London Mayor candidate, Rory Stewart MP; Labour Councillor for Tower Hamlets, Rachel Blake; and Craft Club and Plastic Free Roman Road who ran fun and educational workshops.
