More than 100 people gathered at Hitchin Boys' School last week for a community screening of The People's Emergency Briefing, followed by a discussion about the implications of climate change and nature loss for the local area.

The event, held on Thursday, July 2, formed part of a nationwide programme encouraging communities to engage with the climate and nature crisis through local screenings and conversations.

Organisers say more than 1,000 screenings have taken place across the UK since the initiative launched in April, with a further 1,000 planned. Four events have already been held across North Hertfordshire, with another scheduled at Letchworth's Broadway Cinema on Wednesday, July 8th

Vicky Wyer, of Hitchin's Triangle Garden, said: "This is fast becoming a viral national phenomenon, with ordinary people like us hosting community and workplace screenings up and down the country.

"If you missed this one I'd urge you to get along to the screening at the Broadway on July 9."

The film has received backing from naturalist Chris Packham, who said: "I'd encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People's Emergency Briefing. This new film creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about the threat from climate and nature breakdown, but also about what we can do, together with our politicians, to build a better future."

Following the screening, attendees discussed the impact of the recent heatwave on the community, including reports of supermarket refrigeration failures, and explored how residents could continue conversations with local decision-makers.

Rhys Waterman, of Hitchin Boys' School, who helped organise the event, said: "I think one of the strongest feelings in the room was relief — that issues many people have silently worried about for a long time were finally being spoken about openly, clearly and together.

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"People also said they were encouraged to hear that we already have the solutions in front of us; we just need the political courage to change the rules to make them happen."

Organisers said more than half of those attending had never previously been to an environmental event. The audience included people of all ages, from younger residents through to older members of the community.

Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern attended the event and pledged to support calls in Parliament for a televised emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis.

Also present were North Herts councillors Keith Hoskins, Vijaiya Poopalasingham, Sandy Walkington and Ian Albert, alongside representatives from organisations including Willmott Dixon, Bowles & Wyer, Hitchin Boys' School, NH&SCVS, North Herts and East Beds Sailing Club, Hitchin Scouting, North Herts Riding for the Disabled and Hitchin Forum.

Organisers say several attendees have already expressed interest in hosting future community screenings, while many others plan to attend the next showing at Letchworth's Broadway Cinema.

A follow-up public meeting is also being planned as campaigners look to continue discussions around tackling climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping communities adapt to increasing risks from extreme heat and flooding.

For more information, visit the Triangle Garden's website.