Organising successful community events: A community action plan

Download this community action plan to help you organise successful community events, from getting started to making the magic happen.

Community events are key in creating connected neighbourhoods. They support belonging and are an opportunity to celebrate diversity and local culture as well as presenting an opportunity collaborate with others and showcase local skills and talent.

This action plan, a comphrensive guide to setting up events from start to finish, will help you:

• Understand why community events matter
• Design your event
• Plan your event
• Make sure everyone feels welcome
• Make the magic happen on the day
• Take time to reflect on your event

It includes tips and advice from Sompting Big Local in Sussex and Pimlico Million Big Local in London, about what they consider to be most important when planning events and the incredible impact they can have on connections within and perceptions about local areas.

Download the action plan

Pimlico Million’s Eid party brings neighbours together

Pimlico Million’s Eid party has become an annual event, attracting over 500 people each year. The event celebrates Eid in a way that welcomes everyone.

The celebration is held on the Churchhill Gardens Estate, the most populated part of the area with an outdoor space and a community hall in case of rain. It is accessible with ramps and is within easy walking distance for many residents.

The event has enabled Pimlico Million to engage with people in a social, fun and informative way – and collaboration is at the heart of its success. Seven local organisations, including Churchill Gardens Residents Association, Westminster City Council, Westminster Bangladeshi Welfare Trust and Westminster Bangladeshi Association, work together and share resources.

Each partner contributes something unique – from the council lending gazebos to local groups bringing traditional games like Carrom, which create interaction between neighbours. Henna and face painting are popular too. Pimlico Million prioritises quality in all aspects of the event, and food is at the heart of the celebration.

The first time we did this event, a local Imam was tearful and said it was the first time he felt culturally celebrated. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, that you belong here and you’re celebrated by your neighbours.”

Nawal Lakhdar,  Pimlico Million Big Local 

Photos: Pimlico Million Big Local Credit: Local Trust / Lucia Senasiova

Download the action plan