Giant game of “it” in Chapelfield Gardens
Hundreds of people, young and old, could turn up to play a huge game of “it” in Chapelfield Gardens this Saturday. Over five thousand people have joined the organiser’s Facebook group. The only stipulations: wear a blue top, a hat and bring a pound or more for Cancer Research.
The idea of playing “it” has grabbed a lot of people’s imagination. On the Facebook site, there’s excited chatter :”i definitly going”… “oh yeaaa.(:”…”I’m there…”…”Mums NOT Lettin Me Go :’(“.
There’s also discussion about whether it’s actually legal or safe, given the numbers that could show up. And some ask if it’s a just a scam, which the organisers vehemently deny.
One of the people behind the idea, Max Firman says: ”Me and Daniel Murphy would like to thank everyone who over the last few weeks has joined the group, spread the word and said they will attend. It has been far harder than you would think organising this, but we are sure it will be great on the day – we can’t do it without you!”
If they succeed in getting hundreds of people to join in, it’s testament to the power of social networking. Marc Oldman, who works for the city-based experience design firm, Foolproof, says: “Social media becomes a tool for mobilising communities really easily. 60% of the online population have Facebook accounts. It’s easy to set up little projects like this. It’s an equally good place to set up more serious community campaigns, as a way of gaining support.”
Norfolk Police have confirmed they will have officers in attendance to monitor the event. Inspector Lisa Hooper from the City Centre Safer Neighbourhood team said: “We have spoken to one of the organisers and advised him that events which attract large numbers of people to public spaces really need to be planned with prior consultation with the police and local council to make sure that there are no safety risks…We do not want to spoil anyone’s fun, and along with the Council we support the appropriate use of green spaces around the City.”
Comments to “Giant game of “it” in Chapelfield Gardens”
Given the terrible weather that day I congratulate those who turned up. When organising an outdoor event this is always a risk, but you just have to do it again..and again. Great idea anyway.
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NEWS UPDATE: Police estimate around three hundred people turned up to play “it” in Chapelfield Gardens in the pouring rain. They’d been told to expect up to two and a half thousand.