Nearly a year ago on Friday 31 Jan 2020, it’s safe to say that we were vaguely aware that our everyday world was on the brink of change. The UK left the EU and the first cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the UK. It was also the day we hosted the Fire Starter Festival event “How we survive a zombie apocalypse” to explore how participants could help their group survive a societal-changing event by tapping into their own and each other's capabilities and experiences.

Well, we are back for Fire Starter Festival 2021 to use our collective imagination, collaboration and a meaty metaphor to make sense of where we are now:

We’ve been living with the zombies for a long time now; ten, eleven months maybe? I’ve lost count. Each of us has been isolated in our homes, cut off from the outside world, with no services and little contact. Suddenly, the internet starts working again and you hear a broadcast calling out to anyone listening, inviting you to an online meetup to connect and share how each of us have been surviving, hopefully even thriving, in our new normal…

You’ve heard the message. Do you want to join us?

What you’ll need: A journal or paper, and something to write with, AND a few fistfuls of lego pieces (approx. 60) or if you can’t scavenge any lego, the same amount in other small things like buttons, extra small toys etc and some blu tak to stick them together. We'll meet on Zoom so it's worth testing out you can access Zoom on your laptop/tablet etc.

Dress code: your best anti-zombie/survival gear (which might be your jammies). Feel free to a brew or other drink you’ve managed to scavenge.

Kids are very welcome to join if participating with an adult (in previous sessions, we found kids have really enjoyed the session but may need a bit of support with some of the practices and reassurance that this is just a game!)

PLEASE NOTE: we will be using a Zombie apocalypse as a metaphor to invite you to share your own experiences with what you have learned about yourself during the coronavirus restrictions. You will only need to share what you feel comfortable sharing, however the event is based on an imaginary scenario where you have been socially isolated for some time. If you feel this may bring up some unhelpful and strong feelings based on your own personal experience, this may not be the event for you. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss it with one of the organisers: Keira Oliver, Lorna Jackson or Steve Earl by hitting the contact organiser button.

Follow us on Twitter @usvzombies

Find out more about the Fire Starter Festival at www.firestarterfestival.com