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The Diversification Of The Countryside
The Big Chill has been approached by NFU (National Farmers Union) about the relationship between festivals and the countryside. It's no secret that festivals generate income in the rural community - we generate approximately £100k per day in related income such as land hire, our policy of using local contractors, employment of local people on site, local merchandise etc. Not to mention raising the profile of the local area through advertising of the festival, Big Chillers staying on and using B&Bs or hotels in the area, or holidaying in the countryside and on the coast.Due to the changing financial needs of the rural community - brought to a head this year - MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) now have a policy called the 'diversification of the countryside'. PK Events already encompasses that policy with the kind of commerce we bring into the community.
We also have an audience and environmental policy - the 'Leave no Trace' campaign and our country code - which shows the sympathetic and respectful stance that The Big Chill embodies when using these sites.
Apart from the ongoing problem of finding appropriate sites, we have told the NFU that it is important to overcome any distrust that the rural community has with festivals, and the negative attributes which people automatically associate with a large number of urban people coming to country locations, such as drugs, loud music and a rise in crime.
Traditionally events have used commercial sites but NFU / MAFF want us to use estates in rural areas if possible; it seems that the less affluent rural areas are a little less precious and more open to generating wealth via the 'gatherings in the country route'. At The Big Chill, we believe that this policy is a perfect way forward for crisis-hit rural Britain, and one that makes increasing sense in modern times, when the profitability and relevance of intensive agricultural farming and the heritage industry are under scrutiny.
We are blessed with glorious rural countryside and more and more young people wanting to visit it to appreciate the wonders of nature that exist out of town. With a more synergetic relationship with the local authorities, more festivals, arts events, and local cultural events - from fetes and barn dances to exhibitions and multimedia expos should all find a natural home in beautiful rural settings.
Let's seize the initiative and move forward...
Pete
Big Chillers wanting to get involved should write to:
Leave No Trace
Chillfest ltd
PO Box 52707
London
EC2P 2WE
or e-mail rui@bigchill.net
Written: 15th Mar, 02
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