Somewhere the Sun is Always Shining
As heatwaves steadily become a way of life in the UK, communities need opportunities to come together and talk about heat and health more than ever.
Our London community partners, led by STCA, hosted a summer event called Somewhere the Sun is Always Shining.
It brought together our Melting Metropolis community partners and storytellers-in-residence alongside collaborators from the British Library, Somers Town Community Association, Somers Town Gallery, Central Saint Martins, The Old Diorama Arts Centre, local councillors, creatives, and many other neighbourhood organisations.
The turnout was impressive and showed just how many organisations are ready and eager to have conversations about heat and health through community, culture, and the environment. Of course, free food, drinks, music, and bubbles helped create a welcoming atmosphere, but it was the conversations that made the event special - thoughtful, illuminating discussions about how we can prepare for a hotter future together.
At the same time, the event highlighted an important challenge. Many local Somers Town residents didn't venture out to join us. On very hot days, many of us stay indoors, especially if we live on asphalt streets where the walk to a shaded park or blue space already feels too far. As our climate changes, we need to think carefully about who community events reach, and who they unintentionally leave behind.
Highlights of the afternoon included a screening of the Public Emergency Briefing, the "Step into the Doughnut" workshop led by LDEC, storyteller Adam Njenga's sun stories, and Caito's lavender weaving, which sparked conversations around the question: What could we make or do together to harness the sun for the benefit of our community? Urban Radical’s Emmie, Harun Morison’s environmental Justice Cards, Something Good’s cyanotype workshops using Melting Metropolis archive materials, and so much more…
Our partners generously extended the invitation across their networks, and our research team turned up in force, ready to listen, share ideas, and learn alongside local residents. The event demonstrated how our streets can become places where conversations about heat waves are not only possible but enjoyable, helping people understand the risks, care for one another, and imagine practical ways to adapt together, sharing cross-cultural approaches that value everyone’s lived experience equally.
“It was a reminder that climate solutions are often more powerful when they are shared outside the usual climate bubble — with people who may not call themselves climate experts, but who experience climate impacts directly and are already part of the solution.” - The Green Londoner
These heatwave days remind us all just how vital this work is. Together, we can continue changing mindsets, influencing policy, and helping create cities that are not only more resilient to extreme heat, but also more just, connected, and caring.
Photograph credits with thanks to contributors including The Green Londoner and STCA. Posters designed by Lianne & Luis De Vera. Flyer and Map designed by Deepika Kanthavara Madhava.
