To Absent Friends: Evaluation Report
November 2017 saw another successful edition of To Absent Friends, a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance. An evaluation report of the festival, based on feedback from event organisers and attendees, is now available.
The evaluation concludes that:
- The festival helps build communities, addressing
social isolation and loneliness.
Attendee feedback shows how much they valued the community aspects of the festival.
- A little money goes a long way. Small grants act as an impetus for activity among
groups who otherwise might not participate.
- Dedicated staff time is valuable. Extra resource at the SPPC has increased activity and
secured more publicity.
- The festival is connecting with disadvantaged groups. There is an appetite for this kind of event within a
community development framework.
- Regulars return to the festival. Many groups participate each year, making the festival
sustainable, and strengthening community connections.
- Witnessing successful events helps inspire others. Potential event organisers can now be pointed to many
different event concepts that work.
- Concerts are a popular concept. Attendances at concerts were higher than at other
types of events.
- Media profile could be higher. The grassroots nature of the festival means local
media coverage for individual events is easier than securing a national
profile.
- Different approaches work for different audiences. Careful management of expectations and handling of
sensitivities means events can be created that work for a wide range of
audiences and situations.
A downloadable copy of the report is available here.
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