In a world where digital connection often outpaces real-life interaction, the power of public events to bring people together has never been more vital.
At JTL Events, we believe that placemaking—activating public spaces through meaningful, inclusive events—is one of the most powerful tools for building community, fostering local pride, and creating vibrant hubs of activity.
Written by JTL Director and Events Consultant Janine Tompkins
Placemaking: More Than Just a Buzzword
Placemaking is about turning spaces into places. It’s the art of transforming streets, squares, parks, and town centres into living, breathing environments where people feel welcome, engaged, and inspired. And events are the heartbeat of that transformation.
From pop-up markets and cultural festivals to street performances and community workshops, events breathe life into underused spaces. They encourage footfall, stimulate local economies, and—most importantly—create opportunities for connection.
A Tale of Two Towns
Placemaking in Action – Colchester: I’ve seen this firsthand in Colchester, where I was proud to be part of a series of placemaking initiatives between 2013 and 2019. Through the Colchester Independent Business Projects, we worked with passionate local groups like the Colchester Walls Project, Trinity Traders, and Colchester Life to champion the town’s shopping and entertainment centre.
One of my most memorable contributions was taking over Colchester Castle during its renovation to host the Secret Vintage Fair—a unique event that blended heritage, fashion, and community in an iconic setting. For several years, I also curated a dedicated area of BIG Sunday, a free community festival that brought together local creatives, performers, and families in celebration of Colchester’s vibrant spirit.
These projects helped stitch together the fabric of the community, encouraging collaboration and showcasing the town’s independent character. Ultimately, the formation of the Colchester BID (Business Improvement District) took this vision to the next level. With a dedicated structure and funding, the BID has become the most viable and sustainable version of these efforts, regularly pulling together events that continue to energise the town centre and support local businesses.
Expanding the Horizon: The Harwich Maritime Festival: My work in placemaking extended beyond the city walls to the coast, where I applied these same principles to the Harwich Maritime Festival. This project served as a vital case study in how heritage-led events can re-energise a historic waterfront. By focusing on the unique nautical identity of Harwich, we were able to create a destination event that didn't just attract tourists, but gave the local community a renewed sense of pride in their docks and piers.
View the full Harwich Maritime Festival Case Study here
Through this initiative, we demonstrated that placemaking isn't one-size-fits-all; it’s about listening to the specific "soul" of a location—whether that’s a Roman wall in Colchester or a working quay in Harwich—and building an event that celebrates it.
Why Community Events Matter
Community events do more than entertain—they build trust, foster belonging, and create shared memories. They give people a reason to gather, to celebrate, and to invest in their local area. In times of social fragmentation, they remind us that we’re part of something bigger.
Public spaces are only as vibrant as the people who use them. By investing in events that reflect local values and invite participation, we can turn empty squares into thriving hubs—and strangers into neighbours. That’s the power of placemaking. And that’s the kind of work we’re proud to champion at JTL Events. We specialise in designing and delivering events that do just that. Whether it’s a placemaking activation, a community celebration, or a third sector initiative, we bring people together with purpose.