The idea
Project Overview
Sweet Harmony: When Walsall Was Bostin’ is a community heritage project exploring the relationship between wellbeing, happiness and social life in Walsall during the 1980s. At a time when the town is often framed through negative narratives, this project will reconnect people with a vibrant past—celebrating the energy, pride and sense of belonging found in Walsall’s nightlife and social scene.
Focusing specifically on the night-time economy and social hangouts of the 1980s, the project will capture memories of clubs, pubs, music venues, late-night eateries and informal meeting spaces that shaped people’s lives. These places were more than just venues—they were spaces of identity, friendship, expression and emotional wellbeing. Through storytelling, pictures, memories (tangible material) the project will explore a central question:
“What did it feel like when Walsall was thriving—and why did it make people feel good?”
Methods will include:
Pop-up storytelling sessions
What we'll deliver
- 20+ positive heritage memories recorded and archived
- 5 community engagement events across Walsall
- 10 significant social venues and places identified and interpreted through personal stories
- Dedicated website to record findings
- A publication to clebrate walsall's social scene and wellbeing wisdom that focuses on walsall's vibrancy
Why it's a great idea
Outputs
20 positive heritage memories recorded and archived
5 community engagement events across Walsall
10 significant social venues and places identified and interpreted through personal stories
A travelling exhibition visiting local venues
Strengthened local identity through a renewed appreciation of Walsall's social and cultural history.
- Enhanced intergenerational connections by sharing stories and memories between older and younger residents.
- Boosted local pride and collective morale by highlighting vibrant aspects of Walsall’s past.
- Preservation of intangible cultural heritage, providing a lasting record for future generations.
- Increased awareness of the role of social spaces in fostering mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Opportunities for skill development, such as storytelling, digital archiving, and film production, for community participants.
- Strengthened community networks through shared experiences at events and exhibitions.
Steps to get it done
- 20+ positive heritage memories recorded and archived
- A dedicated website acting as a permanent digital archive of Walsall’s social heritag
- A printed publication sharing selected stories and insights
- 3 volunteers recruited supporting with interviews
- A travelling exhibition visiting local venues such as libraries, community centres and cultural spaces
- Minimum of 10+ significant Walsall social venues and places identified and interpreted through personal stories
- Minimum of 1 short film capturing “wellbeing wisdom” linked to Walsall’s social life
