Outdoor pop-up projects can help us play together, but can we get everyone to join in?
By Marnie Freeman

We know that when a resource is less available, due to limited quantity or time, we tend to see it as more valuable.
That’s why, when fun and multi-generational, playful pop-ups and events are held in local areas they are really popular with residents. They transform town centres, close off streets, change the mundane to something more exciting, by bringing energy, colour and fun to a place.
There are wellbeing gains too, as pop-up projects encourage people to go outside, and usually walk to their local pop-up. Importantly, pop-ups and local one-off events play a key role in supporting community cohesion and place-making by bringing people together across lines of difference, encouraging inclusivity and social interaction. Even for those residents who don’t join in with activities, pop-ups can serve as a talking point, helping them to connect with others locally over a common point of interest.
We have learnt that the best pop-up events are interactive, welcome all ages and are free for the community. The more people who go, the better. Pop-ups and local events can support people and places by addressing local environmental and community needs, and help people to feel more invested in each other and their local area. Getting involved in the organisation of pop-ups, can also contribute to community solidarity and inter-generational participation.
However, whilst many people may benefit from the connection and shared experiences provided by pop-up events, we know that there are always people left behind. Can we find ways of reaching them, of encouraging neighbours to knock on doors and invite people to go along?
Perhaps it is only once our most isolated people join the pop-up activities that we can say they really do bring people together.