The Lion King at Georges Park

Like many others we've been easing our way back into physical events over the past few months (in advance of our first ever autumn festival), and last month we were in Lozells to put on a one-off outdoor screening in Georges Park.

Why was this one of the most rewarding Flatpack nights we'd had in ages? Because the local community were genuinely invested in it. They'd voted on the film choice. (The Lion King. The original, obviously.) And through the park's brilliant friends group, they'd been involved in making the whole thing happen - from flyering and health and safety meetings to lugging barriers and stewarding. Turning up in force on the night, bearing blankets and picnic chairs, many enjoyed their first night of big-screen entertainment in a couple of years.

Since 2020 many city-dwellers have had a very different relationship with their local green space. Groups like Friends of Georges Park were born out of this shift - a collective of neighbours from the surrounding streets working to organise regular litter-picks, arts activities, grants for improvements. At the same time we've been asking ourselves "how can we help?" How can we make it possible for people to enjoy film (and other artforms) in a safe way, in their own locality? Thanks to support from the People's Postcode Lottery we've been able to invest in our own outdoor cinema setup, and we hope that this is the first of many 'Flatpack Local' events.

Check out I Am Birmingham's write up for more pictures and feedback from the night itself.

With thanks to Friends of George's Park, Aspire and Succeed and Punch Records. If you're interested in doing something similar in your own neighbourhood, please get in touch via info@flatpackfestival.org.uk. Images by Paul Stringer.