Tales of lockdown to be turned into book by Northumberland friends who created Frock Up Friday

The pair formed Facebook group Frock Up Friday some 16 weeks ago to encourage their friends to discard their PJs and dress up.

However, it has become something so much more in providing a supportive space for people to share their lockdown feelings.

Bevali and Susan never thought the group would grow so big.

“When we began this with a few friends we never thought we would end up creating a book,” they said.

“We are hoping to have the book launch in September when lockdown easing may mean we can finally meet in real life and maybe have a little dance. It’s going to be frocking fantastic. Who would’ve thought that ordinary people coming together could create something so extraordinary.”

They say that people are making friends in real life, life stories are being shared and virtual celebrations have taken place.

They have celebrated May Day, VE Day, Pride, Mental Health Week and marked their respects for George Floyd by wearing black.

Key workers have also been dressing up after a busy week, singers and artist dressing as if they were doing a gig, friends sharing their zoom party outfits and creatives making their own clothes and costumes.

Each photo gives a window into a lockdown life and the posts that are written alongside are so often poignant, beautiful, reflective and sometimes hilariously funny.

It is because of these visual stories that Frock Up Friday are now making a book.

They have collected thousands of photos and stories to create a visual tale of lockdown and have a talented designer currently creating a beautiful book that will capture this strange time in history.

Frock Up Friday have financed the book by generous sponsorship and pre-orders.

Profits will be donated to the charity MIND to help the many people who have struggled with mental health issues bought on by the stress and loneliness of lockdown.

To find out more email [email protected] or visit www.frockupfriday.com

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