The DEADLINE for running a POP has now gone – sorry – maybe next time, but don’t worry you can still join in! We are looking forward to welcoming you to POP 2019 and we have an astonishing 49 experiences for you to enjoy – our biggest year ever! Check out the visitors guide for the new 2019 maps and all the details. 

If you fancy having a go at running a POP simply download the entry form here POP Entry Form 2019 and get it back to POP HQ by Thursday 28th March – or earlier if you can! Read on for more details, lots of ideas, what you can do if you don’t have a house in Sherston and frequently asked questions.

What’s it all about?

The world’s first POP Up village took place right here in Sherston in 2013, and again in 2016 raising over £11,000 for charity and bringing a whole community together. The big question is will 2019 see the next POP? Only you can decide!

How can you get involved?

To make the next Sherston POP happen, from the 17th-19th May, we need as many people as possible to open up their homes and gardens and run…ANYTHING you want for around 3hrs! We will then produce a map and website to advertise the weekend so that everyone can join in the fun. It shouldn’t cost you a penny – just three hours of your time and you can take any costs out of your profit.

I really want to get involved but I need some ideas. Help!

From the previous two POPs there have been a fantastically eclectic range of experiences to enjoy (just check out the photographs for some ideas) including POP it on Fancy Dress, POP up Pony, The House of Chocolate, Milkshake Bar, nightclub, a take back the streets race track, Crisp Butty bar, fabulous living statues, Groovie Gramps record mart, Wiltshire’s only 6 hole pitch and putt, Latin Quarter, the smokehouse, a bread baking session, lemonade stand, Mangold Hurl, Salad dressings and football coaching to name just a few!

If you have something you have always wanted to have a go at or a talent to share now is the time to have a go. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here – so if you think one of the ideas mentioned above is a goer just POP it down on your form. Every idea is up for grabs!

Or have you got a new idea? Perhaps POP Up…

… cricket coaching, hockey, bike maintenance, making and selling something delicious, afternoon tea, make and mend, sushi making, swishing, jamming session, karaoke bar, poetry slam, gin tasting, exercise class, mindfulness workshop, pizza, beer tasting, art class, pets corner, penalty shootout, dog show, teddy show, tea dance, ballroom dancing, bacon butty breakfast van, cake shop, games cafe or a music session. Anything goes! Remember we are not looking for professional it’s just for fun.

All profits will go to Sherston Primary School and Sherston Village Hall. If you are interested in getting involved complete the entry form above or if you would like some more information drop Kirsty an email ASAP: Kirsty.strachan@icloud.com

Gig it, Teach it, Cook it, Sport it, Make it, and Sell it – you can POP up whatever you want and try your hand at anything! 

Frequently asked questions

I want to get involved but I have never done anything like this before!

That’s okay it’s all about giving it a go and lots of people will be running a POP for the first time too. We are not looking for professional it’s just a bit of fun. For example… for the ‘Take Back The Streets POP’ we simply removed all the cars and let the children scoot, skate and bike around. Some of the houses made cakes and we served tea and coffee and everyone had a lovely afternoon hanging out. The milkshake bar ordered a load of cups, milk, ice-cream and fruit and everyone enjoyed a totally delicious milkshake in the garden. Having fun, sharing your time and enjoying the lovely community we live in is the thing!

Will it cost me any money?

It shouldn’t do… you can take any costs out of your profits. Then all your lovely profits are donated to two great causes – Sherston Primary School and Sherston Village Hall rennovations. It’s just three hours of your time and everyone who has run a POP before has absolutely loved doing it.

I would love to get involved but I don’t live in Sherston. What can I do?

Don’t let a lack of venue hold you back! Why not join in with a friend in the village and POP something up together. We have also had friends popping a tent in a friends garden to run their POP. If you are near Sherston we could put a cycle trail on the map to your house. Alternately you may be able to use a bit of the High Street – in 2016 we had a camper van bar and smokehouse on the High Street! The Village Hall, Scout Hut or British School Rooms may be able to accommodate something too.

I have no idea how many people will come and what to order?

This is the ‘how long is a piece of string question’! The simple is that we never do either! However the last two POPs have been really well supported and if you run out earlier than expected it’s okay. You can always direct people to another lovely POP up.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The idea behind POP is that the person running the POP is entirely responsible for the organisation and running of their own event and all related matters (including an alcohol license if you are serving alcohol). You’re in the driving seat which is exciting! The POP team (essentially Friends of Sherston School – FSS!) will produce a map and all the advertising for the event – providing you with an audience. The POP team, Sherston Primary School, FSS or Sherston Village Hall are not responsible for the health and safety of any venues, products or skills sold at any of the POP ups.