How was it for me??

As a member of the organising committee, and having had the auspicious title of 'Festival Coordinator' this year, I wondered whether anyone might be interested in my thoughts about the Children's Festival 2007...

There is no doubt in my mind that this year's (like last year's) Festival was a huge success. Looking around the site over the two days was amazing - seeing children and families smiling, laughing and doing things they wouldn't normally get a chance to do.

One of the fundamental principles is to give children and families unique experiences and learning opportunities for a minimal cost - or free wherever possible. I certainly feel like we achieve that; we subsidise a lot of the 'fun' activities, like inflatables, in order to make money less of an issue for Festival-goers. I think most of the food and drink prices were reasonable (a lot less than you would usually find at a festival) and most of the inflatables were a mere 20p for an unlimited go. A few activities cost more, but were very popular - trampolining for 50p, go-karting for £1, rodeo bull and gladiator duel for £1, Xtreme bungee trampoline for £2.50.

In theory, it would have been possible for a family to spend a day at the Festival without spending any money - as long as they came without a car, managed without a programme, brought their own lunch and drinks and spent the day watching all the free entertainment, taking part in all the free art and sport activities, and looking at the various exhibits, stalls, information stands, etc. Now that's pretty impressive!!

We had pretty good weather (for the second year running), but if it hadn't been so good, it still would have been a good day out with so many of the activities and entertainments under cover. We had ordered a pallet of bottled water that we were going to give out free on both days, but it was delivered on Tuesday 28th, instead of Friday 24th... (sorry about that!)

The final thing to say about the Festival, from my point of view, is that it is incredibly hard work to plan it, prepare it, raise money for it, set it up, run it and clear up after it. The 9 people on the organising committee have found it quite draining this year to do everything - and we have had a lot of support from various people, but we do need more help if it's going to happen again. We need some people to take on an area (like sports and leisure, or arts, or toddlers, or food) and coordinate it, more people to help on the day - even if it's just an hour, and more people to help set up before and tidy up afterwards.

I had a great time, and I'm sure lots of other people did, but we need to know your thoughts about this year and next...

...and we need your support!

Venue...

Where is the best place to hold the Festival in 2008 and beyond?

Oldbury Wells School?
Severn Park?
Other?

Timing...

When is the best time to hold The Children's Festival in 2008 and beyond?

August Bank Holiday weekend?
June?
July?
Other?