Events

12th May Diary Day

In 2026 the Mass Observation Archive will be repeating its national call for day diaries, capturing the everyday lives, thoughts and feelings of people across the UK.

This year we are particularly keen to hear about people’s thoughts and feelings about nature and wellbeing. We are working with nature groups, NHS, libraries, community organisations, councils, schools and prisons.

We are really keen to capture as many different voices and lived experiences as possible and encourage everyone to take part. We want to ensure that Mass Observation is more inclusive and representative of the diversity of life in and across Britain.

Diaries can be written, typed, drawn, collaged, painted or photographed and capture your 12^th May in your own style. The diaries will be stored in the Archive at The Keep in Sussex and be used by a wide range of people for research, teaching and learning.

In 1937 Mass Observation first called for people from all parts of the UK to record everything they did from when they woke up in the morning to when they went to sleep at night on 12th May. This was the day of George VI’s Coronation.

Mass Observation revived 12^th May as a national call in 2010 and has been collecting 1000's of diaries ever since. They are an invaluable record of what life is like in Britain today for future generations.

We would be delighted to receive your diary this year.

How to take part - Please visit our website www.massobs.org.uk

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By: Suzanne Rose
Last updated: Wednesday, 22 April 2026