Going Bigger with Your Events
What We’ve Learned (So Far) About Going Bigger with Outdoor Events — And What We’d Tell You, Too
At Papalla Nuna, we’ve spent the last few years hosting cosy, vibrant events indoors and in semi-managed outdoor spaces. It’s where we found our rhythm—creating pop-ups full of creativity, community, and connection.
But now, we’re stretching.
In 2026, we’ll be running not one but two extended outdoor events in Norwich City Centre, each lasting 7–10 days. It’s exciting. It’s slightly terrifying. And it’s teaching us a lot.
So, if you’re a fellow organiser thinking, “Could we go bigger too?”—this post is for you. We're learning on the job, and we’re more than happy to hold your hand as we pave the way.
Lesson 1: Growing Pains Are Real (But Worth It)
Shifting from small, supported venues to a large outdoor setting is not just “more of the same”—it’s a full-on mindset shift. Indoors, things are contained. Outdoors, everything is your responsibility: electrics, signage, structure safety, permits, and so much more.
But with bigger risks come bigger rewards—more foot traffic, more visibility for traders, and more opportunities for community engagement.
Our advice:
✅ Give yourself longer than you think you’ll need to plan.
✅ Accept that mistakes will happen—and you’ll learn fast.
✅ Celebrate the small wins (like getting a temporary event notice approved or locking in a sponsor).
Lesson 2: Weather is No Longer a Variable—It’s a Team Member
With outdoor events, you’re basically inviting the elements onto your planning committee.
Rain, wind, heat, cold—all of them affect footfall, trader morale, and event safety.
What we recommend:
Have every trader bring a properly weighted gazebo—don’t compromise here.
If you can, design your site layout with wind direction and sun exposure in mind.
Have a “bad weather plan” in place. Even if you never use it, you’ll sleep better knowing it’s there.
Lesson 3: The Paperwork is No Joke
Public space events mean navigating local councils, BID teams, city centre partnerships, licensing officers… the list goes on. We’ve filled out more forms in the last few months than in the last few years combined.
But—and this is important—the support is often there. You just need to know how (and when) to ask for it.
Our advice:
Start conversations early.
Be very specific about your needs: power access, waste management, signage permissions, etc.
Ask for feedback on your event plan. It builds goodwill and can unlock unexpected support.
Lesson 4: Funding Bigger Dreams
We’ll be honest: larger events cost more. A lot more. But they also open the door to new streams of funding and sponsorship.
Here’s what’s helped us:
Sponsorships: Businesses want foot traffic, community goodwill, and brand exposure. Offer packages that feel generous and human.
Collaborations: Partner with creative groups, schools, or collectives. Sharing space or programming reduces costs and increases diversity.
Public Funding: Don’t be shy about applying for arts and community grants. If your event boosts local culture and visibility, you’ve got a solid case.
And If You’re Thinking of Going Bigger Too…
Here’s what we’d say:
Do it.
It’s hard. It’s unpredictable.
But it’s also electric.
Give yourself a long lead-in (we’re talking 9–12 months).
Build a strong team (even if it’s mostly freelancers or collaborators).
Don’t skimp on things like insurance, risk assessments, and signage.
Ask others how they’ve done it. (Like us—we’re happy to share!)
What’s Next for Papalla Nuna?
In 2026, we’ll be running two large-scale outdoor events in Norwich City Centre—each one lasting up to 10 days. These will be our biggest undertakings yet, and we’re already deep in the planning trenches. If you’re interested in a collaboration, let us know. Or subscribe to our newsletter and you’ll be kept in the know about our upcoming events.
We’ll share more soon. But for now, just know we’re dreaming big and laying the groundwork for something really special.
If you're a fellow organiser thinking of expanding your event or market in 2025 or beyond, and you're feeling a little overwhelmed—drop us a message. Seriously. We’ll tell you everything we’ve learned (and are still figuring out). Because when one of us grows, the whole scene gets stronger.
Let’s build something bold—together.
💛