Start a Gathering
"A community gathering is any local event or meet-up that brings people together through shared interests, support, or activity, whether as a one-off or a regular event."
Everything You Need to Know to Create a Community Event
Starting a community event doesn’t have to mean organising something big or complicated. Some of the most meaningful gatherings begin with a simple idea designed to bring people together.
Gather supports both one-off local events and regular meet-ups. Whether you’re hosting a single workshop, a monthly supper, or a weekly neighbourhood social, the same principles apply. Clear purpose, thoughtful planning, and a genuine desire to facilitate connection within a community make all the difference.
This guide walks through what to consider, step by step.
The What: What Is Your Gathering?
Start by getting clear on what you’re creating. Is it a one-off community talk responding to a moment or need? A recurring social group that people can build into their routines? Something informal and relaxed, or more structured with a clear format? Answering these questions early helps shape expectations and makes planning easier.
Your gathering could be, for example:
- a parents’ coffee morning to build support networks
- a teen film night to create safe social space
- a singles supper for people hoping to meet new faces
- a community storytelling evening that bridges generations
- a craft ‘swap and make’ session that sparks creativity and encourages sustainability
- a peer support circle for grief and connection
Being clear about what your event is helps people immediately understand whether it’s right for them, which increases both attendance and enjoyment.
The Who: Who Is It For?
Once you know what the gathering is, think carefully about who it’s for. Think about who you hope will turn up, what stage of life they may be in, and what might make them hesitant. Some people feel nervous arriving alone. Others may be juggling work, caring responsibilities, or social anxiety. Understanding this helps you remove barriers before they appear.
Your audience could include, for example:
- new parents looking for connection during school hours
- teenagers seeking non-virtual, safe spaces
- retirees who want to learn new skills
- people experiencing or recovering from illness
- carers wanting casual respite
- new business owners hoping to network
- neighbours new to the area
- people with shared interests but no obvious place to meet
Being specific doesn’t exclude others. It helps the right people recognise themselves and feel genuinely invited.
The Why: What’s the Purpose of the event?
Purpose gives your gathering meaning beyond the activity itself. A meet-up can be about movement, creativity, care, learning, or just being together. What matters is how people feel when they leave.
Purpose turns something ordinary into something people return to.
Your gathering:
- isn’t just a walk; it’s a chance to talk, move, and feel less alone
- isn’t just a book circle; it’s a way for neighbours across generations to connect
- isn’t just a beach clean; it’s teaching stewardship while improving shared spaces
- isn’t just a skill swap; it’s about strengthening local bonds
- isn’t just a support group; it’s creating space for people to feel heard
Research into community participation consistently shows that people who attend local gatherings report greater well-being, social connection, and a stronger sense of belonging. When you’re clear on why your gathering matters, others will feel its value, too.
The Where: Where Should It Happen?
Where your event happens is more than a backdrop. It shapes the experience. Things to consider when selecting a venue:
- Capacity: Is it big enough for your expected numbers? Too small feels crowded; too large feels empty.
- Ambience: Is the space welcoming and appropriate for your activity? A quiet room might suit a poetry gathering better than a busy café.
- Accessibility: Is it easy for people to get there? Does it have ramps, parking, good public transport links?
- Cost & Budget: Can you afford it? If not, look for free or low-cost community spaces like libraries, parks, school halls, church rooms, civic centres, and community cafés.
- Logistics: Are there permissions needed? What about toilets, sound, lighting, or weather protection? A soundbath session held next to a busy road, for example, may feel unappealing.
Thinking through these details helps you anticipate barriers and make everyone feel welcome.
Gather’s venue search tool is designed to help hosts easily discover spaces that fit their purpose, budget, and vibe. There are many underused local venues just waiting to host community events, and Gather helps bring those spaces into view.
The When: When Is the Right Time?
Timing matters. Think about the people you want to attract and when they are most likely to attend. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Are your attendees working people? Evenings or weekends might be better.
- Is your crowd more likely to be retired or flexible? Mid-morning or afternoon could suit.
- Will families attend? Weekends or school-friendly hours work best.
- Is it weather-dependent? If outdoors, think about daylight and seasons.
Timing Examples
- A walking group for professionals could meet early evenings during the week.
- A parent-and-toddler story circle might be best mid-morning on weekdays.
- A community cook-along could be held late afternoon or weekend brunch.
- A monthly outdoor screening might happen Friday evenings in summer.
Also consider regularity. Weekly events build rhythm and habit. Monthly events can feel special and attract a wider crowd. Your timing decisions influence attendance, enthusiasm, and long-term success.
The How: Why Hosting Makes a Difference
One of the most effective ways to make a gathering welcoming is to have a clear host. Research into community participation shows that people are more likely to attend and return to events where expectations are clear and someone is visibly responsible for welcoming others. This matters most for people arriving alone, who may otherwise feel unsure about how to join in.
Hosted events work better because they provide structure and reassurance. A visible organiser gives people someone to approach, helps create a sense of safety and inclusion, and removes the need for newcomers to navigate social cues on their own.
Studies into community and cultural participation consistently highlight that a lack of structure can be a barrier to attendance, while clear facilitation helps reduce social anxiety and encourages engagement.
At Gather, we encourage hosted gatherings for this reason. A host doesn’t need to be an expert. Often it’s the gesture of someone greeting people, introducing the first activity, or gently guiding conversation. That small amount of reassurance can be the difference between someone staying at home and someone stepping into a shared experience.
Summary for Organising a Community Event
Make your gathering easy to join, with clear details and simple language. Focus on how it will feel to attend, not just what will happen. Think about inclusivity and safety, and stay open to feedback. Communities change, and gatherings can evolve with them.
Start a Gathering
Gather exists to empower locals to do good in their communities. By giving people the tools to host local events and community gatherings, either commercially or as a non-profit event, we help turn ideas into shared experiences that strengthen social capital.
Whether you’re planning a one-off event or a regular meet-up, Gather will help you bring people together.