Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Yes we have had this debate last year but the reason was different.

We do not have funding to run this event this year but I am trying to get funding from the lottery. I need to identify if there is a need for this event or we will not be able to run it so that I can justify applying for money. If we do not get any funding then there will be no event because we will not be charging for it - it is a free event, always has been and always will be.

So the question is do you want one or not? I think you've made yourself pretty clear Tealeaf so you do not need to answer again.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

I shall be the judge as to whether I answer or not again. As to Summer Events in the park - I believe they are a good idea. However, rather than spending public money on stages, rock bands, insurance, etc, surely it would be better to spend the money on the parks themselves? The simple fact is there is an air of delapidation in all of Hyndburn's parks; get some investment in there and get them up to scratch and then it should not be to difficult to let a mixture of private enterprise and local voluntary groups putting on a do, at no cost to the public purse, but in the process making a little bit of money for local good causes.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

I don't think the police would be particularly interested in youths just 'hanging about' in the park....but if I saw anything related to drug use or things that were criminal then I would certainly report it.....but I don't think the police can do much about teens looking intimidating....and perhaps they are not intimidating...it just feels that way to me....and I stay away if they are congregated there.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Yes, I agree that there is a dilapidation in all of the parks but that is not the problem of the people who organise the events and should not be a barrier to holding events.

It does not cost the public purse anything - this is from the Lottery - if you don't like your money spent on this sort of event then don't buy a ticket. I think we should be getting as much lottery funding as possible into the area for as many different events as possible.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Gayle, to be honest I think that most people who buy the lottery tickets don't give a thought to what the money goes towards....they just hope to be made rich. I don't buy the lottery tickets BECAUSE of some of the very dubious causes that are supported....and I don't mean things like the Community stuff that you are looking to fund.......If you can get the money to benefit local communities then go for it. I am sure there are local people who enjoy these events....they just aren't my cup of tea.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

The answer in one word NO. You may want to organise this event, you may think it desirable, but there is definitely no need for it.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

What started off a few years ago as a good outdoor music concert in my opinion was spoilt last year because it turned into an asian orientated festival.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

exactly right. just forget it.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Agree 100%. I wouldnt go tio an 'Asain' festival if you paid me £5. Never mind charged me £5!

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Interesting maybe the mela was not as good as you thought Gayle, think about this why don't you join forces with Neil when trying for funds so Oakhill Park could have a music festival without the asian influence and go for the mela in Rhyddings Park.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Would I go to it? No.

Do I think it should go ahead, if not funded from the public purse? Yes.

Have I been to concerts and festivals in the past? Yes.

Did I have to pay, or give a minimum donation? Yes.

What would I go and sit in the park to see now? Opera on a summer's balmy evening, a brass band on a sunny afternnon, or jumping about in the mosh pit whilst watching Iggy Pop.

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Thanks for all your views - so can I ask another question?

I'm hearing you loud and clear about the Asian influence - so what sort of free music festival would tempt you out - rock, pop, jazz, opera (I can see where Garinda's vote would be)?

And what other attractions would appeal - sports activities, arts/crafts, climbing walls etc?

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Hi Gayle

Well I see there is no response to why there is only £300 in the pot? and what the money was spent on? And who is in charge and can I have a seat on the committee - lol.

Oh well never mind I guess the only thing for it is to play Skeleton Park in the Arcade and eat more and go out less.


Best Wishes

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Why not in the summer Gayle... on a hot summers day, have some big speakers playing music, couple of ice cream vans, burger vans, and a bouncy castle, and hold a big barbecue, or people can bring their own barbecue or food etc and just chill out and relax in the park.

Well... thats what Id like to do anyway...

Re: Should there be Community Festivals?
 

Sorry, I thought I'd answered this - it wasn't deliberate.

There is only £300 in the pot because we spent the funding that we had last year and we haven't received any for this year yet. We are in the process of applying for funding but as yet haven't got any.

I am on the committee and we would love it if you wanted to sit on the committee it is open to everyone who wants to contribute.