Transition Town Festival

Our "lessons learned" from the festival were:

·         Workshops weren't successful in terms of numbers – most visitors just “dropped in”. Cycle maintenance particularly disappointing because used outside people (also home brewing), and it was specifically advertised at the university. Advertising events on A board outside might also help. Need more specific advertising and booking for workshops. In future, charging may also help (experience with in stitches workshops). Workshops on Friday were better – more people around because community groups displays

·         Would a shorter, punchier festival have been better?

·         Connections with people in general were good in terms of quality rather than quantity – many in-depth conversations – moving people on in their thinking

·         SWEA and Sustrans were happy with their involvement and agreed with the above.

·         The day and the weather made a big difference to visitors – Sunday afternoon sunny and more passers by. Mon and Tues very quiet. Few visitors after 5pm when dark

·         Good depth of support by members – eg over 30 helpers. Daily bulletin on google group useful.

·         Music was good but people didn’t particularly stop to listen

·         Family/child activities at specific times would have been good

·         Unlikely to do the same thing again – Gallery usually booked over a year ahead.

·         A transport action group is a possible outcome. Alison will put those interested in touch with each other.

·         Many favourable comments received

·         Mayor’s speech was good

·         Overall enjoyable