Choosing an Interest Category
When adding a gathering to Gather, we ask you to select an interest category. This helps people quickly discover activities that match what they enjoy, want to learn, or care about.
You can choose up to three categories if your gathering genuinely fits more than one. Both categories should clearly represent the focus of the activity.
If your gathering fits neatly into one category, simply choose the one that describes it best.
Gather includes many different types of community activities, local events, groups and workshops. These categories help people browse gatherings that match their interests and help organisers reach the right audience.
If you are ready to add a gathering, you can return to the form here:
Gather currently uses the following interest categories to organise activities on the platform.
Community & Social Gatherings
Designed to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming way. These events focus on meeting others, building connections and spending time together in your local community. They are often informal and open to anyone who would like to join.
Examples might include:
- Coffee mornings
- Social meet-ups
- Book clubs
- Language exchange groups
- Community picnics
- Singles events
- Networking evenings
You may also wish to explore research into community wellbeing and social connection:
Browse Community & Social gatherings
Wellbeing & Support
Activities that support mental, emotional or physical wellbeing, or create a safe space for people to connect through shared experiences. These gatherings often focus on self-care, personal growth or mutual support in a welcoming environment.
Examples might include:
- Breathwork sessions
- Support circles
- Recovery meetings
- Wellbeing workshops
- Gentle exercise classes
- Check-in meet-ups
Research highlighted by the Campaign to End Loneliness shows that shared activities and interest-based groups and programmes can help reduce loneliness.
Browse Wellbeing & Support gatherings
Learning & Skills
Opportunities to learn something new or develop existing skills. This could include classes, talks, workshops or courses where the main aim is learning, sharing knowledge or exploring a topic together.
Examples might include:
- Photography workshops
- Language classes
- Craft or making sessions
- Talks or lectures
- Drama classes
- Skill-sharing meetups
Browse Learning & Skills gatherings
Arts & Creativity
Gatherings centred around creative expression or appreciation of the arts. These activities give people the chance to explore their creativity, develop artistic skills or connect with others through creative work.
Examples might include:
- Painting or drawing classes
- Creative writing groups
- Music jam sessions
- Theatre groups
- Photography meet-ups
- Craft workshops
Browse Arts & Creativity gatherings
Movement & Outdoors
Activities that involve physical movement or spending time outside. These gatherings often focus on staying active, enjoying nature and sharing outdoor experiences with others.
Examples might include:
- Walking groups
- Sea swimming
- Running clubs
- Yoga in the park
- Outdoor fitness sessions
- Cycling groups
Research from Sport England highlights the well-being benefits of moving together in communities:
Browse Movement & Outdoors gatherings
Family & Children
Gatherings designed primarily for children, parents or carers. These events create opportunities for families to spend time together, connect with other families and take part in activities suited to younger participants.
Examples might include:
- Baby and toddler groups
- Storytime sessions
- Family craft workshops
- Children's activity clubs
- Outdoor play sessions
Browse Family & Children gatherings
Food & Drink
Gatherings where food or drink plays a central role in bringing people together. These activities often involve cooking, sharing meals or celebrating local food culture.
Examples might include:
- Supper clubs
- Community meals
- Cooking classes
- Food tastings
- Bake clubs
- Local food events
Browse Food & Drink gatherings
Purpose & Causes
Gatherings focused on making a positive difference in the community. These events bring people together around volunteering, community action or supporting a shared cause.
Examples might include:
- Beach cleans
- Community gardening
- Charity fundraising events
- Environmental groups
- Volunteer-led activities
- Local action groups
If you are interested in volunteering locally, you may also find this resource helpful:
Browse Purpose & Causes gatherings
Choosing Your Category
Some gatherings naturally span more than one interest.
For example:
- A community garden workshop might fit both Learning & Skills and Purpose & Causes
- A ‘walk and talk’ meet-up might fit Wellbeing & Support and Movement & Outdoors
- A ‘make and meet’ session might fit Arts & Creativity and Community & Social
If this applies to your gathering, you can select three categories that best reflect the experience people will have. Selecting more than three categories is not possible, as keeping categories focused helps people find gatherings more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose more than one interest category?
Yes. You can select up to three categories if your gathering genuinely fits both and clearly reflects the focus of the activity.
What if I am not sure which category to choose?
Select the category that feels closest. Categories are simply there to help people discover gatherings they may enjoy, so it does not need to be perfect.
What if none of the categories describe my gathering?
Choose the category that comes closest to the main focus of your activity. If you feel Gather would benefit from additional interest categories, please let us know via the contact page and we will consider this in future updates.
Can I change the category after publishing?
Yes. If you notice the category is not quite right, you can update your listing through your organiser dashboard.
Interest categories help people discover local community activities, events and groups that match their interests. Choosing the most relevant category makes it easier for the right people to find your gathering.
Ready to share something with your community?