Why sit?

We are sitting because we are in a climate and ecological crisis.People, other species and habitats are being lost now and we want to keep ourselves and others in touch with this. We recognise this is interlinked with other crises, for example global inequality and war, and so at times we support other actions.

What are we doing exactly?

It depends who you ask and when! We may be:

DON'T JUST DO SOMETHING - SIT THERE!

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Pictures of previous sits

By Dharmachanda Meg Hicks, Dayanita, Suryamani, Polly, Darragh and others

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18th December 2021, Cambridge

Around 50 people joined the first ever Big Sit, inside and outside The Grafton, at the height of the Christmas shopping frenzy.

26th February 2022, Cambridge

15 sat outside The Grafton. We lost numbers to other events, while welcoming at least four passers-by to spontaneously sit with us.

26th March 2022, Cambridge

Around 20 sat outside The Grafton. Through our wonderful outreach volunteers many passers-by gained a new perspective on how to sit with the challenges ahead.

30th April 2022, Cambridge

We moved to the Grand Arcade, where about 14 of us sat by the entrance to John Lewis department store, causing quite a scene.

28th May 2022, Cambridge

We (x15) found a receptive crowd outside the John Lewis store in Grand Arcade.

25th June 2022, Cambridge

In Grand Arcade, 13 of us certainly made an impact outside the John Lewis store.

30th July 2022, Cambridge

Even without leaflets, 12 Big Sitters got a strong message across to thousands of shoppers at Grand Arcade.

27th August 2022, Cambridge

16 of us sat inside and outside this busy Grafton shopping centre. We had many conversations and handed out even more leaflets.

A guy called Toni spontaneously sat with us, reminded how important it is to slow down and take a pause while in town! We were also joined by a Malaysian Forestry Research Institute worker, who was so inspired by the model of Big Sit that she wants to take it back to Malaysia and try it out there. She was moved to tears after meditating with us.

24th September 2022, Cambridge

15 of us choosing to sit together outside The Grafton.

29th October 2022, Cambridge

On our 10th Big Sit, as usual we were joined spontaneously by passers-by moved by our stillness. Outside The Grafton.

26th November 2022, Cambridge

21 of us in the Big Sit - including people of several faiths - took on the Christian Aid carollers at Grand Arcade.It wasn't clear who generated the most goodwill but a good time was had by all, and we got a few people talking about the climate emergency.Pics to come!

27th May 2023, Cambridge

Outside John Lewis store in Grand Arcade.We were a select crew, but in good company with lots of interested shoppers, having conversations and sharing lots of leaflets.Welcome to several new Big Sitters. and handed out many leaflets.

17th June 2023, London

Our usual spot inside Westfield Stratford City wasn't available, so instead we enjoyed the fresh breeze and huge crowds just outside the main entrance of Europe's largest shopping centre!What we found there was a lovely response to our public display of compassion and solidarity. So many passers-by commented positively, and our leaflets and conversations were welcomed by hundreds of shoppers.We should do this more!

24th June 2023, Cambridge

On a scorching mid summer day, we enjoyed the coolness of sitting in view of thousands of shoppers in Grand Arcade.The weather seemed to slow everyone down! Hopefully enough to notice and maybe have a think about climate breakdown.

15 July 2023, Westfield Stratford City, London

19 August 2023, Westfield Stratford City, London

26 August 2023, The Grafton, Cambridge

After a good stint at The Grand Arcade we enjoyed returning to our old friend The Grafton.
About 15 sitting, and two who joined spontaneously. Plenty of interaction and the rain held off almost long enough.

7 October 2023, The Grafton, Cambridge

25 November 2023, The Grafton, Cambridge

We enjoyed the carol singing!

27 January 2024, Grand Arcade, Cambridge

Starting the year with a (little) Big Sit

30 March 2024, Grand Arcade, Cambridge

Our inspirations

We are not responsible for the content of these external sites, but they do represent sources that have inspired the Big Sit movement