Whether you would like to get a booking as an artist at one of our events, join in as a community project or take part as a volunteer, this section of this site is dedicated to getting involved in our events, but if you just want to come along as the audience here's a few tips to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Photo: Feast 2009, Audience with umberellas watching 'decatalogues'
credit: Paul Herrmann
Our Wonderful Audience!
'I want to do something in the festival!' is a frequent request from people in the audience. Contact us with your ideas - or look at the section called Community Participation and Amateur Groups...
If you are thinking of coming to one of our events, let us tell you a little about them...
You will need to dress warmly as the night can get cold by 11pm. We often organise long evenings so that there is lots for children during the early part and expect families with younger children to leave by 9pm. When we include fireworks in the programme, these may be VERY loud - if this is the case, we will advise you to cover your children's ears
Daytime events may take place in town or City centres, in a par or in a special area - a courtyard, a canalside or round a lake. Wherever you are, you will be able to wander around looking at shows, listening to music, maybe watching a parade pass, or taking part in activities, games, competitions as you wish. Town centre events are always free, and we work closely with shops, cafes, markets, restaurants and bars to make all of them part of the event. Sometimes we have festive elements inside these places - such as special food, or shop window displays.
The atmosphere is usually somewhat more gentle in a park - there are quiet calm spaces as well as noisy ones, we try and programme some things away from the crowds. There is usually a wide variety of food and a bar; and there are lots of activities you can join in with. We may a nominal entry fee (£1). This money is put straight into the programme for the next year - so you are helping us to fundraise for the future.
At most of our events we have programmes available (sometimes we sell these to raise a little money to pay for the next event!) so you can decide yourself what you want to do. And if there is no programme our staff team know most of what they need to know to help you - they are all enthusiastic and helpful, as most of them request to be stewards as they love the events. Feel free to ask them for any ideas of what to do!
There is always a good mix of entertainment at these, for adults and children to enjoy. There may be a few unusual or quirky elements too! Our aim on these events is to have enough entertainment so that you leave tired and happy but without having seen everything!