Top tips for successful events

If you want a fantastic festival or an exceptional event, you need to get along to a special forum at Hereford’s Courtyard Centre for the Arts to pick up top tips from the experts.

The Forum for Festival and Events Organisers 2006 - this year is called the “Festival and Events Health Check” – takes place on Wednesday, November 1, from 10am to 2pm (arrival from 9.30am) at The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Edgar Street, Hereford.

The event is organised by the Arts Team, Cultural Services, Herefordshire Council.

“Those who visit the forum will have the opportunity to attend four festival health check sessions with four arts professionals,” said Deborah Allison, Arts Liaison Officer.

“The four topics covered include: Creative Ideas, Communications and Promotions, Fundraising and Venues and Volunteering.

“Each health check is designed to highlight relevant issues faced by event organisers and offer possible ideas and remedies,” added Deborah.

“Please think about any issues or questions you or your group would like to ask at each health check in relation to your own festival or event. The morning will end with a feedback and discussion session.”

The four key facilitators leading the sessions are:

Creative Ideas - Sarah Laws, Combined Arts Development Officer, Herefordshire Council. Sarah has 12 years of experience developing and managing community arts initiatives, and is currently organising creative opportunities for 5 to 11-year-olds. Sarah runs a countywide teachers forum exploring creativity and supports artists working in education.

Communications and Promotions - Paul Wombell, Director, Hereford Photography Festival. Paul is the first full-time Festival Director of the Hereford Photography Festival. He has been the Director of the two largest photographic galleries in the UK; Impressions Gallery, York and The Photographers' Gallery, London. He writes and lectures on photography when he can find the time.

Fundraising - Dave Tristram, Regeneration Officer (Project Development). Dave has experience of project development and funding from both a funders’ and applicants’ perspective.

Venues and Volunteering - Sian Kerry, Director, Arts Alive. Sian has worked in event co-ordination and promotion and with volunteers for over 20 years.

There will be an interval for refreshments and all-important networking with other organizers and the Forum will be chaired by Paul Wombell, Director, Hereford Photography Festival.

The Festival and Events Forum is an annual event, now in its 9th year.

It is a half-day gathering for people in Herefordshire and beyond who enjoy making arts events and entertainment happen in their localities and whether people are volunteers, professionals, beginners or experienced, there will be something for everyone.

The Courtyard has full disabled access.

The event costs £10 per person. Booking is essential – the deadline is Friday, October, 27.

For a copy of the booking form please contact Deborah Allison, Arts Liaison Officer, Cultural Services, Herefordshire Council, PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0XH or telephone her on (01432) 260614 or email her at dallison@herefordshire.gov.uk.