The idea
Experience the spirit of community at Lancaster Music Festival this October, where music and dance will fill the city's streets, squares and iconic outdoor venues like Lancaster Castle courtyard, hosting the Melodrome stage, and the Storey gardens, home of the Craic Inn. This year's event will extend into the unique Westfield War Memorial Village, honouring the Armed Forces community. With dynamic accessibility measures, the festival ensures inclusivity for all attendees. Enjoy family-friendly spaces running throughout the day and explore volunteering or paid roles in the production, media coverage, and evaluation of the event. Please support this celebration that welcomes everyone to participate, perform, and connect through music!
What we'll deliver
- 6 outdoor stages featuring music at the Melodrome stage, Market Square, Dalton Sq, Storey Gardens & Westfield Village
- Family-friendly themed music events at outdoor venues around the city
- A diverse and multi-cultural programme of outdoor music and street theatre
- Opportunities for volunteers and staff to develop skills
- All activities will be free to remove barriers to taking part
- A new space engaging with the armed forces community close to the city centre
- 4 free hosted participatory music sessions of all genres and levels in the Storey Gardens
- Opportunities to engage with free musical activities eg. Kazoo Orchestra, Tuneless Choir
Why it's a great idea
The benefits of the project include:
- Increased community cohesion through an inclusive city-wide celebration of music
- Boost to local economy with shops, hotels, pubs benefitting from the huge influx of visitors. It’s the biggest event in the Lancaster cultural calendar as proven by previous years statistics.
- Increased sense of belonging and pride in city as everyone pulls together to make it happen
- A platform for often underrepresented community groups including veterans to perform and participate.
- Increased accessibility for all areas of community via free events in public spaces and dynamic access policies.
- Increased opportunities for volunteering and paid work for upcoming musicians, producers and performers, providing both aspiration and inspiration.
- Continuing legacy of an established grass roots event providing a springboard for year round musical performances and work in the arts sector. Dedication to a grass roots model maintains this integrity
Steps to get it done
- Research, consult, schedule and book musicians, workshop facilitators & street theatre artists
- Liaise with event venues, schedule events and book venues and spaces
- Create ticket listings for booking onto events where necessary
- Review and where necessary update risk assessments and safeguarding & accessibility policies
- Ensure physical accessibility and coverage for all spaces is in place
- Review and update accessibility training for staff and volunteers
- Book necessary security and logistics support for all events
- Promote the outdoor activities through social media and PR/website/printed flyers
- Deliver the activities during the LMF weekend
- Gather feedback and evaluate the impact and benefit of the project.
