The Joy Continues: Our Latest Jury for Joy Gathering

A the very end of last month, we hosted the latest Jury for Joy meet-up – a unique citizens’ jury for culture and creativity, and the first long-term process of its kind in the UK. Held at the welcoming Oval Centre in Siddick, Workington, the two-day gathering on 31 May and 1 June brought together a brilliant group of West Cumbrians to reflect, reconnect, and shape the year ahead.

This session marked the jury’s second in-person meeting, building on the powerful energy, ideas and shared values developed during our first gathering earlier this year. Once again, we were blown away by the generosity, imagination and commitment each jury member brought to the process.

We looked back on what has been a huge year for Everyone Here – one driven by the voices and vision of the Jury for Joy itself. From the Hallpark Light Festival in winter, to the Spark Bus Tour which travelled to 10 communities across West Cumbria, to our biggest moment yet – the Imagine Festival in Seascale on 10 May – it’s been a packed and powerful few months of activity. Each project was sparked and shaped by ideas first generated in the jury room.

Over the weekend, jury members reflected on everything they’ve helped bring to life so far, and – just as importantly – set their sights on what comes next. There were honest, thoughtful conversations about creativity, inclusion, joy and access. We talked about the change we want to see across West Cumbria, and how this citizens-led approach can keep evolving to meet it. We also enjoyed performances from Katie Higgins, digital work from Giles Bennett and live music from Suzey and the Jazz Cats.

As always, deliberation was at the heart of the process – not just listening, but learning together, questioning deeply, and finding ways forward. It’s not always easy work, but it’s rich and real and full of purpose. The jury showed up, joined in, and once again told us what they want to see from Everyone Here in the year ahead. We left feeling inspired, energised and ready to make it happen.

Most excitingly we were overjoyed to welcome our new Jury for Joy members bringing our total group up to 26 people from across the region. Their enthusiasm and energy and insight was spectacular.

We’ll be sharing more updates – including the latest Jury for Joy outcomes – very soon.