Development... continued

  

4.   Dates and Timing

The next big decision are the dates and timing of your festival. Obviously the theme and events will dictate the seasonal timing, while the availability of the chosen venue will likely dictate dates. The theme could also come into play. For example, if you are having a Canada Day festival, it has to be held to incorporate July 1^st. Conversely, a particular event could determine the dates. If you were booking a popular music act, they may only be available on specific dates. A lot of research may be required to come up with the right dates. 

5.   Location

Depending on the size of your event, location may be your biggest asset or your biggest concern. It’s important that you establish were the event is to be held as soon as possible. On larger events, the logistic of preparing site plans and permissions can take a long time, especially if government is involved. Most municipalities have very specific requirements when it comes to using their property for an event. Sitting down with municipal officials right from the start will eliminate many problems in the future. Even dealing with private property owners can be tricky. You will have to make sure that everything, and I mean everything that has been agreed upon is in writing and is signed by both parties. This agreement should take place early in the development process so that if a change of venue needs to take place you will have the time to do so. Even with all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted, unforeseen conflicts will likely arise. Compromise may become both parties watchword.

(To be continued) 

Developing a Festival or Event

"The hard work and devotion of those festival organizing pioneers is awe inspiring. Without them festivals would never have become a reality. This “Developing a Festival” handbook is dedicated to all these wonderful and talented people!"

Gary "Festival Nomad" McWilliams

Development

As William Shakespeare’s Hamlet asked so many years ago “To be or not to be, that is the question.”

When you start thinking about developing an event, after all the questions have been asked and answered, “to be or not to be…” really is the final question.

1.   Event Theme

By creating a festival theme, you also create direction. A theme allows you to focus on the final vision of your festival. Being able to visualize the final look of the festival makes planning it much easier. It’s like planning a trip, if you know your final destination, getting there is just a matter of route.

2.   Scope

Deciding on the scope (size) of your festival is one of the first steps that need to be taken. This will determine timing, location, manpower, activities and events, length of time needed for planning and committee structure.

3.   Events and Activities

Along with scope, activities and events must be considered right from the start. Some events or activities may take years to plan or procure. Others may not be practical due to costs or timing. Careful consideration in this area will help you enhance the festival theme you have chosen. Make sure that these do not conflict with each other (i.e.: timing, location, demographics, etc.).

(Development ~ to be continued)