Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
1
1. the purpose of this report
Exeter Respect continues to develop year-on-year and the 2010 festival's two-day Respect In The Park event has been widely
acknowledged as the city's most successful celebration of diversity yet. This report contains a review of Respect In The Park 2010
which we will share with potential sponsors and partners to enable us to fund-raise and plan for 2011.
2
4. respect In the park 2010 - Overview
Respect In The Park 2010 took place on Saturday and Sunday 5 & 6 June in Belmont Park in the city centre. It was a completely free
event lasting from 12noon until 6pm on both days - both of which were followed by independently promoted after-show parties.
The weekend's activities consisted of:
• World Big-top • Acoustic Stage & Community Cafe
• Community Stage • Playday (Saturday)
• Activity day (Sunday) • Market stalls
• Campaigns & displays • Co-operative Village
• Bollywood-style café-bar • Healing zone
• Fire & Rescue Service Demonstrations • Other performances & activities
• Decoration • Food
• After-show parties
5. Element-by-element analysis
5.1 World Big-top
The skyline of Belmont Park was dramatically changed when the Exeter Respect World Big-top was erected, a glorious structure
for a range of upbeat performances by musicians representing a range of cultures - as many as possible sourced locally.
On Saturday crowds enjoyed a jazzy Latin set by Mas Bajo, Irish jigs, reels & ballards by The Maguires, the Arabic delights of
Mazaj, international gypsy tunes by Bragatanga and a stunning African dance-and-drumming finale by Akumapa.
On Sunday Hazaar kicked off the afternoon with their Klezmer craziness, followed by Ugandan-based African Odyssey, followed
by samba massive Ilu Axe, with local cross-cultural fusionists N.U.M.B taking the tent by storm before rock-funk & blues legend
Third Degree Leburn hit the stage.
Cheers rang out after every number with DJs from local community radio station Phonic FM on-hand between each act.
“I made it into the Global Big-top for a blistering performance from Sunday's headliner, Third Degree LeBurn. Once again, it was
exactly as promised in the pre-event publicity: 'Jimi Hendrix meets James Brown meets Bob Marley'! This man has shared stages
with legends such as Sly and The Family Stone and Marley himself - and it showed. The audience was soon bouncing around
sporting massive grins.”
Jenna Richards, Phonic FM (excerpt from event review)
5.2 Acoustic stage & community café
A beautifully decorated tent played host to performances by a diverse range of local artists all weekend. As well as the sublime
decoration covering the tent walls, St Bridget's nursery lent potted plants which added a wonderful ambience to the stage area.
On Saturday the line-up featured Dmitry Babichev from Russia; kora player Moussa Kouyate; celtic fusionists Rookery; The
Maguires unplugged; Triste's Eastern European violin music; Niks' original boran and didgeridoo combination and Solarference's
folktronica.
On Sunday there were sets by: percussionist Jon Sterckx; vocalist
Pooja Angra; Hazaar unplugged; and Flamenco fusionists Fuse.
Next to this stage was the Community Café run by the St Sidwells
Centre, selling a range of Fair Trade beverages and home-made
cakes, flanked by Mediterranean food supplied by the Turkish
Dinosaur Café.
The atmosphere in this part of the park was at once both chilled
and celebratory. The gentle world music which floated out of the
Acoustic Stage tent was complemented by the lovely sounds of
community chatter and accompanied by the great smells of home-
cooking. This area was the highest-rated aspect of the festival
according to our feedback forms.
“I was incredibly impressed by the very slick and efficient way that
the whole programme ran, in terms of communication, attitude of
the stage crew, particularly at the Acoustic Cafe, and the general
ambiance of the event as a whole, which was very positive
considering the volume of people present.”
Richie Evans, The Maguires
3
5.3 community stage
Last year our Global Community Stage boasted the most diverse range of performances the city has ever witnessed. This
year we surpassed that achievement: we sustained two days of the most diverse performances Exeter's ever seen!
Saturday's ultra-eclectic line-up included: The Soundwaves learning disability music project; Ben & Alfie Weedon's 'Taxi to Djali
Kunda'; Louisa Adjoa-Parker's poems & prose; Hissa Al-Badi's poetry & music; Pixie Maz's children's stories; Rama's African
acrobatics; the Devon Youth Djembe Ensemble; Samba Marcianas junior samba group; Niks on baron & didg; Indian master-
vocalist Dr Joel; Kagemusha Junior Taiko drummers; Rhythm City breakdancers and the Voices In Common choir.
On Sunday the performers were: Wolf & Water's hiphop crew; Newtown Primary School's Indian and Zulu dances; Alphington
School's Ugandan twinning project; Dan Brazier's comedy juggling; Chinese music and fan dances; a Dance in Devon showcase
of Flamenco, Capoeira, traditional and contemporary dance; Dragon Temple Kung Fu demonstration; Street Factory
breakdancers; the Global Harmony choir and Chimanimani's afrobeat music.
Waves of cheers rang out all weekend and it was great to see as warm a welcome and positive a reaction for school and
community activities as for the professional performers.
“Wow, what a great day. Had an absolutely fantastic time today. Kids performed well, audience were brilliant and the general
vibe around the park was awesome. As you know the band are all kids and therefore were there today with family and friends.
They were all very complimentary about the set-up.”
Scott Craig, Samba Marcianas
“Just wanted to say a massive congratulations for all your hard work - the festival was outstanding. We really hope that we can
be involved again next year. Thanks.”
Katherine Ford, Dance In Devon
5.4 playday (saturday)
Last year the integration of the Exeter Respect Playday run by Exeter City Council into the wider Respect In The Park event proved
a winning combination, so we maintained the Playday activities as a feature of Saturday's Respect In The Park proceedings. The
extra infrastructure we had put into the park meant, however, that we moved the Playday activities from the centre of the park
to the fenced children's play area. This actually proved to be a better location, next to the swings and close to the large slide
the Playrangers set up on the slope leading down from the Scrapstore hut.
As well as the Play Rangers, this year's Playday fun included international story-telling, mask-making, face and body painting,
circus skills, recycling and the usual favourites such as the Woodcraft Folk, alongside representatives of local ethnic communities.
“Just wanted to say thanks and well done! What a fantastic event, it was a pleasure to be part of it all. As I said to you on
Saturday, I had some really excellent feedback from my contributors. They thought that the whole event was really well
organised, particularly with regard to getting in, parking, volunteers to help unload, etc. And the feedback from the public
also looks great!”
Helen Lisk, Exeter City Council, Play Development Officer
5.5 Activity Day (sunday)
The area occupied by the Playday on
Saturday was given to Exeter University's
Guild of Students who set up a number of
stalls containing traditional English
summer fete activities: hook-a-duck, mine-
sweeper, guess the weight of the cake and
more, along with the Community Action
bouncy castle.
This area also contained the amazing
'Man vs. Machine' show which pitted
international BMX stunt-cycling ace
Andrei Burton against amazing free-
runner Kie Willis.
Before the event we were concerned that
the gap left by Saturday's Playday would
be hard to fill on Sunday, but the
University students worked hard to make
their area a successful one, while the free-
runner and cyclist combination proved a
winning one.
4
“For the majority of the volunteers, this was the first time they had attended Exeter Respect Festival. They turned up with no
expectations, but got pleasantly surprised! The area the University and the Guild received was brilliant and allowed the
volunteers with enough space to put on several activities for children and adults! After a fun-filled day they all had a really good
day with good memories and a big smile. Exeter Respect was well organised and it was easy to contact someone if you had any
queries. It would be great to be a part of the event next year. Many thanks again for letting us be a part of Exeter Respect!”
Marte Billington, President, Exeter University Guild of Students
“I felt that the event was a great success. I do over 200 events a year and I felt that your event was well set up and had a great
atmosphere. Everything seemed to run smoothly and the crowd seemed to really appreciate the 'Man Vs Machine' show! It was
a pleasure to be at the event and I hope you will keep us in mind for any future events!”
Andrei Burton, BMX stunt rider
5.6 Market stalls
Running a two-day event meant it was worthwhile for an increased range of market traders to set up their stalls, representing
a great cross-section of global goods and local crafts, many trading to support international development charities.
From African clothing to Devon silver-smiths; from Hindu artifacts to South American photography, the Exeter Respect 2011
market-place offered diverse shopping opportunities, and exposure for a range of good causes.
“I just wanted to say thank you for such a great weekend at the Respect Festival. Such a great atmosphere and all so well-
organized which I know from experience doesn't happen without a lot of work. The volunteers were great and made things so
easy for us to set up and pack up.”
Fred, Amantani stall
“I would just like to say what an excellent job you did and all the volunteers did at the Exeter Respect Festival. It was really well
run and was an absolute delight to be part of. Thank you so much for all your help and I hope to be there next year.”
John Jan Morley, Liberty Bodies stall
5.7 campaigns & Displays
Amnesty International, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Newtown Community Association, the Senior Council for Devon, you
name it - the list of campaigns and displays at Respect In The Park 2011 was greater than ever!
“The whole Festival was excellent - brilliant turnout, wonderful weather and good bands - at least the couple I managed to see.
I thought the organisation of the festival was excellent. A huge well done!”
Mike Gurney, Exeter Unite Against Fascism
“The members manning the stall at the Respect Festival thoroughly enjoyed the event and hope to be involved next year.
Marquees providing music and entertainment - and all the stalls selling stuff. We look forward to taking part again in 2010!”
Ann Crawford, Senior Council for Devon
5.8 co-operative Village
Not only did our major sponsors The Co-operative Membership give Exeter Respect 2010 a high level of financial support, they
provided a vibrant festive area in the shape of our 'Co-operative Village' This featured a mobile Co-op store selling a range of
food and drink, stands promoting the Co-op's full range of services and ethical policies, a stand for their 'Plan Bee' campaign to
preserve the bumble bee and an extensive Woodcraft Folk presence to complement their Playday activities.
“I was inspired very much by the music and in particular the pole lathe demo in the Co-operative Village area.”
Raymond North, event attendee
5.9 Bollywood-style café-bar
Placed near the Blackboy Road entrance to the park, award-winning Topsham-based Denley's Essence of India restaurant shared
a tent with Otter Brewery to provide a mouth-watering combination of Indian snacks and real ale.
5.10 Healing Zone
The Sensory Garden part of Belmont Park became the Exeter Respect Healing Zone with a range of tents offering taster sessions
for alternative therapies from all over the world. Indian head massage, reflexology, reiki, Korean massage, and homeopathy were
amongst the healing arts on offer in this area which also provided an island of tranquillity away from the thronging Exeter
Respect crowds.
5.11 Fire & rescue service Demonstrations
The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service got behind Exeter Respect 2011 as never before! As well as substantial financial
sponsorship, they organised their own exciting area near the festival entrance on both days. Children were able to try on fire-
fighter's respiratory apparatus and helmets and to use high-pressure hoses. State-of the-art fire-fighting vehicles were on display,
there was a ubiquitous fire engine to climb over and a series of thrilling chip-pan fire demonstrations.
This also provided the Fire Service with a great opportunity to promote both home and vehicle safety and to demonstrate their
commitment to equality and diversity.
5
5.12 Other performances & Activities
As well as the many exciting areas which transformed Belmont Park into an amazing festival site, the event featured a number of
strolling performances which had to be carefully co-ordinated to ensure they didn't disturb the programmed stage appearances.
These included processions by the Exeter Malayalee Association and the Ilu Axa samba crew on their way to the big-top, a
performance by the 180-strong Big Noise Chorus choir on the bank by the Scrapstore and a series of performances by the
Capoeira Angola group in different parts of the park.
The most moving procession took place at the start of the event, and was a magical moment in the city's history of celebrating
diversity. It was 11.30am on the Saturday morning and the last of the three performance stages had just been cleared for
health & safety checks and the Festival Co-ordinator was able to open the gates.
On cue, a procession appeared at the end of Clifton Road and made its way into Belmont Park to loud cheers from the many
stall-holders and volunteers already in the festival site. It was a group of people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities
from the Soundwaves and Magic Carpet projects who had marched from their new St James Church Hall base to Belmont Park
and timed it perfectly! Playing musical instruments, banging percussion, chanting and cheering, they led in a throng of other
festival-goers who had been waiting for the event to open, then conducted a triumphant circuit of the site before their core
troupe assembled on the Global Community Stage for the first performance of the weekend. This summed up the Exeter
Respect ethos of celebrating rather than shunning our differences in a totally socially inclusive way and it simply could not
have been better-planned.
“The procession up to the site worked brilliantly - something that could, perhaps, be a feature of Respect in the future.”
Adrian Bull, Soundwaves Project
“I am not ashamed to say that there were tears in my eyes when I saw the procession of people with learning and physical
disabilities march into Belmont Park to open our celebration of diversity. They were celebrating because it was their event as
much as anyone else's and that is what Respect is all about.”
Paul Giblin, Festival Co-ordinator
5.13 Decoration
Belmont Park wasn't just transformed into a festival site in terms of performance and structures, it was covered in a range of
vibrant decoration which added to the celebratory atmosphere. Traditional festival décor and flags supplied by Fabricate
supplemented artwork produced by schools, youth and community groups, including an exhibition of work produced for the
Safer Devon Partnership Community Cohesion schools competition and banners embroidered by the Exeter Women Sewing
for Peace workshops.
5.14 Food
As well as the Bollywood café-bar and Community Café, festival-goers enjoyed Mexican food, Belgian waffles, Mediterranean
salads, real sausages, three ice cream vendors, free tasters from Poland, Palestine, India and the Middle East - and the legendary
Exeter Bike Café toured the site.
There was scope to include more food in the festival, but a careful balance must be struck between the income commercial
caterers generate for the event and the use of food to showcase ethnic diversity.
“Just to say thanks for a well organised and great atmosphere festival.” .
Carol Burroughs, Mexican food stall
5.13 After-show parties
There was a separate after-show party on each night of Exeter
Respect 2010.
On Saturday the local Jam The Channel DJ collective put on a
packed night at The Globe Inn just round the corner from Belmont
Park, This was a great success in terms of turn-out, but the huge
attendance created too much noise for local residents, when the
main festival had been carefully planned to avoid evening
disturbance. Such an event will have to be reconsidered for 2011 in
the light of negative feedback.
On Sunday Mama Stones hosted a soul and funk night to enable
Exeter Respect volunteers to let their hair down after a weekend of
festival work. In hindsight, many of our volunteers were too tired
to really enjoy a Sunday night out, so this after-show party will also
need to be reconsidered - one suggestion is to hold it a week later
as a thank-you to everyone who helped with the festival.
6
6. community Engagement
A major factor in the continued success and growth of Exeter Respect is the way in which our high quality arts programming is
underpinned by our well-developed community engagement.
Newtown Community Association, the Polonica Polish Association, Devon United Women, the Refugee Support Group, the
Women's Outreach Group, the Kurdish community group, the University's Chinese Society, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the
Muslim Women's Interfaith Group, the Islamic Centre and the Exeter Malayalee Association were among the many diverse
community groups with an active presence at Respect In The Park.
Exeter Respect successfully engages local BME (black & minority ethnic) communities in a way which, in turn, helps those
communities to engage with the wider population and holding the event in Newtown meant we had a local community
association who actively welcomed a celebration of diversity in their park.
Last year many festival visitors were struck by the diversity of the crowds the festival attracted. This year the there was no doubt
that our corner of the south west of England is part of a multi-cultural United Kingdom, where multi-cultural understanding is
well worth promoting.
“Visitors were asked whether they enjoyed the multicultural atmosphere and the majority strongly agreed with this statement.
The majority of visitors agreed that because of the Respect festival they understand other cultures better.”
Monica Hudcova, MSc Research paper on Exeter Respect
“We think the Respect Festival was really brilliant, we were entirely happy to have it going on opposite our house and thought
it was a great success. Good luck for next year!”
Anthea Asprey, local resident
“A fantastic positive community event embracing different cultures and styles.”
Veron Matthews, local resisdent
“Just wanted to say thanks to all who organised and participated in this years Respect Festival Belmont Park Exeter. It was an
amazing experience, I didnt realise how diverse Devon was! I learned a lot, and made some interesting contacts to follow up. I
was also amazed at the breadth of artistic talent here in Devon. More please for next year. Think Belmont park is an excellent
chilled out vibe type venue! Thanks once again! - here's to 2011!”
Anne Marchant, event attendee
7. Volunteering
Our festival is only made possible by the help of a diverse (naturally) band of willing volunteers who help with event logistics,
information-giving, loading-in bands and keeping the park clean - and are all covered by our own Exeter Respect employers and
public liability insurance.
For the second year running we benefited from support from the University Of Exeter's event management students, who
undertook stage-management, decoration and stalls-co-ordination under the watchful eye of their tutor.
The University's Guild of Students also provided volunteers to staff their stalls and bouncy castles, all in their own impossible-
to-miss bright yellow Exeter Respect t-shirts.
Special thanks must also go to the Environment Agency who's volunteers staffed the Clifton Hill car park, a task which took them
away from the mainstream festival action.
“I had a great time helping out at this year's festival and it was lovely to meet you all and work with everyone. I'm glad that
everything in my area and the park on a whole went smoothly over the weekend! I hope you are really proud of all you achieved
this year as it was a fantastic community event. Many thanks again for creating such a great team to work alongside and I'm
sure that I may ask you for a reference when I start the daunting task of job hunting!”
Grace Doughty, Exeter University event management volunteer
“I'd just like to say what a fabulous weekend that was! I'm a third year who has never been to one before and regret it hugely!
This year I was lucky enough to work, and helped set up as well as worked over the weekend, what a great group of staff and
organisers and the guests were great too. The weekend seemed to pass without any hitches, and overhearing conversations,
everyone spoke positively about it! Well done!”
Rob Cohen, Exeter University Guild of Students volunteer
“I just wanted to drop you an email to say thank you for letting us be a part of Exeter Respect. The volunteers had a great time
and it was fantastic to see so many people gathered to celebrate our diversity. Well done for organising a very successful event
and thank you for all help!”
Marte Billington, Deputy President - Exeter University Guild of Students
I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity that working for the respect festival offered me. I had such a great time and
I know that my team really enjoyed themselves too. We thoroughly enjoyed all the world music. I hope you also enjoyed the
weekend and that it all went according to plan.”
Amy Dodd, community volunteer
7
8. Environmental and social responsibility
Exeter Respect is firmly committed to respect for the environment as well as between the diverse people of the earth and Respect
In The Park 2010 showed once again that it is possible to have a big, successful event with a small carbon footprint, no
environmental damage and no complaints from local residents.
Belmont Park's city centre location meant that the event was only ten minutes walk from the High Street, so public transport
could be used by anyone who needed to get there from out-of-town. Our Exeter Times 'wrap' mail-shot to city households and
our brochure both contained a Stagecoach bus service £4 day rider ticket offer and a message encouraging people to take the
bus rather than their car if they needed to get across the city to the festival. Generous support-in kind also meant we had free
use of three car parks near the venue for performers and other festival participants' vehicles: Clifton Hill Sports Centre, the
Fountain Youth Club and Newtown School. This meant that we were able to run a two-day event with 13,500 attendees, three
stages, 100 stalls and displays, over 400 performers and over 70 volunteers without a single complaint about traffic congestion
or illegal parking!
We ensured that a small group of volunteers stayed until
the very end of the event on both days to ensure every
scrap of litter was removed from the park - and they did
a thorough job. Likewise, when setting up and breaking
down, every effort was made to drive only on the paths,
not the grass, which resulted in a single set of tyre tracks
left in the park as the only evidence that a two-day
13,500-strong event had taken place.
We were delighted to hear that there had not been a
single complaint about noise or parking problems
caused by Respect In The Park, despite the high
attendance. We believe a major factor in this was that
we delivered letters giving notice of the event to all the
houses surrounding the park a fortnight before the
Respect weekend, and we made sure posters stayed up
on the park entrances and in the Community Hut in the
centre of the park.
Our excellent relationship with Newtown Community Association meant that the event had their full support and we were given
a warm welcomed at their regular committee meeting a month before the event.
This was supported by research findings which stated that: “The main positive impact perceived by residents is the fact that the
festival brought the community together. Also it helped to introduce new local brands and businesses to local people. Also it
was a good opportunity for family fun and people to spend quality time together. Residents felt that the festival increased
cultural awareness and promoted respect. It also helped to increase local pride and give a good image to Exeter.”
“Noise: speaking with Environmental Health there were 0 noise complaints for the event. That's 2-0 for Respect. Well done.
Site condition: the site was left in very good condition, you'd never guess there was a festival the day before.”
Crystal Carter, Open Spaces Officer,
Exeter City Council
“Just a very quick e-mail to congratulate you and your
team on a magnificent event this weekend - and for the
very slick marshalling and general organisation that
minimised local traffic disruption and indeed any possible
inconvenience for local residents. I am sure that Exeter
Respect is now well and truly on the Exeter event map
and that it will grow from strength to strength in the
coming years. It was a truly joyous and enjoyable tribute
to our cultural diversity. If you need any help with PR next
year, let me know. Happy to help out.”
Liz Sheridan, local resident (who originally contacted
us about potential traffic problems!)
“Ecological and carbon footprints were calculated and it
was concluded that both of these footprints were within
the sustainable bracket.”
Monica Hudcova,
MSc Research paper on Exeter Respect
8
9. publicity and Media coverage
Exeter Respect has always been accompanied by effective publicity material and has always enjoyed great media coverage.
Respect In The Park 2010 took this to a new level thanks to a sponsorship opportunity offered by the Exeter Times weekly
newspaper, part of the Westcliffe Publishing Group which owns the Exeter Express & Echo. They offered us an amazing discount
on a 'wrap' which meant that the whole outside four pages of Exeter Times was dedicated to Respect In The Park 2011 in an
issue which was delivered to 38,000 city households a fortnight before the event. We shared the cost of this publishing
opportunity with our biggest sponsors, the Co-operative Membership and our feedback indicates it was a major factor in the
massive turnout the event enjoyed.
As well as the this amazing direct marketing, there was wide distribution of Respect In The Park posters and flyers, and we were
given free advertisements in the Exeter Summer Festival brochure, the '101 Things to Do This Summer' brochure, and in 247
magazine, along with great editorial previews in a host of publications and newsletter from partnership organisations, such as
Dance In Devon and Devon County Council.
ITVWestcountry and the BBC previewed the event, BBC Radio Devon did a great feature on the morning of the event and both
Exeter FM and Heart FM were present at the festival. Exeter FM also created a special event trailer for us, as did Phonic FM, and
there is already a weekly Exeter Respect Show on that community station.
Our comprehensive web site was updated with full event listings and an 8 page A5 brochure was handed out on the day,
featuring a map of the park and listings for the three stages, plus separate up-to-date timetables for each stage.
The Express & Echo gave Respect In The Park a good preview followed by an in-depth page-and-a-half report a few days after
the event. In fact, the local newspaper even gave over its “The World According to…” column, usually written by the Bishop of
Exeter, to the festival co-ordinator two months before the event!
“Respect for all gave city a colourful break - the event which drew thousands of people to a city park under the banner All
Different, All Equal” Exeter Express & Echo review headers
“Spreading tolerance message through fun” Exeter Express & Echo preview header
9
11. Feedback, including survey results
The feedback received since Respect In The Park 2010 was even better than that achieved by the 2009 event, and the many
quotes at the end of this section speak for themselves.
This year we handed out feedback forms which asked attendees to rank the event overall, choose their favourite aspect of the
festival and make comments on Respect In The Park. We also asked if they would be willing to pay to attend the event and if
they wanted us to move to another venue to enable the event to go on into the evening.
77% of survey recipients rated the event as 'excellent', 27% of survey recipients rated the event as 'good' and 1% as 'average'.
No recipients gave Respect In The Park a 'poor' rating.
71% of those who answered the question stated that they would be willing to pay for the event, but many attendees stated
that it was very important to keep the event free to make it as socially inclusive as possible.
55% of those who answered the question stated that they would not like the event to be moved to another venue in order to
go on later, as they valued the city-centre location and community atmosphere this contributed to.
We had so many great feedback quotes we had enough to sprinkle throughout this report with still more left to list here…
“Congratulations on a very successful event overall. I personally really enjoyed it and would go as far as to say I thought it was
the best event that has ever taken place in Exeter, well in my lifetime anyway, so a huge big pat on the back to everyone who,
I know, worked very hard to make the event what it was.” ”
Adrian Bull, Soundwaves Project
“This was without a doubt the best local festival I have attended in Exeter for years. The attendance showed that Exeter is a city
that celebrates diversity, that challenges prejudice. I left with a smile on my face and in my heart..
I actually wrote to the Echo to congratulate the organisers of Respect. It was a fabulous event, blew me away.
Roll on next year, let me know if you have any room for volunteers or committee members.” ”
Jeanie Lynch, Lead Officer - Equality & Diversity, Children & Young People's Services, Devon County Council
“A quick note to say congratulations on a fantastic Exeter Respect weekend! It far surpassed my expectations, and filled me with
joy to see Exeter hosting such an event. Well done, and thank you!”
Vik Moham, event attendee
“Congratulations on the best Respect festival ever! Always helps to have great weather, but it really was a fully and lovely event.”
Johanna Korndorfer, Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World
“Just to let you know we really enjoyed playing on Saturday and the band would like to express their thanks to the staff, stage
crew and the sound guys for all their assistance in making us a happy band.”
Mas Bajo, musicians
“I attended your event on Saturday and was very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
Jacquie Muscat, event attendee
“Thanks so much for a wonderful festival. For me, it was so refreshing to find something in Exeter that celebrates diversity and
challenges outdated ideas of what it is to be British - a fantastic and inspiring event.”
Gabrielle Wooller, event attendee
“A big thank you for organising Respect and
letting us be part of it.”
Robert Wynne, Magic Carpet Project
“I thoroughly enjoyed the festival and will go
again next year!! Thanks to everyone, a lot of
hard work!”
Vicky Stewart, event attendee
“Just want to say a big thank you for a really
good event. Everyone I know enjoyed it so
much.”
Kate Boddy, event attendee
“What a beautiful festival! Thank you so much,
Exeter needs more like this.”
Gayatri Simons, event attendee
“We had such a good time and I want to say a
huge thank you for it all! Really fab! With best
wishes for next year and all the prep.”
Cath, from Ella's Knitting and Knit Expo stall
10
“Congratulations on a really good festival this year -
even the weather was kind. I was really impressed
with the family activities and all the voluntary sector
stands. Excellent music and entertainment.”
Lyndy Pooley, event attendee
"The Exeter Respect Festival 2010 was a fantastic
community event with the feel of a much bigger
festival, with high-quality programming, great food
and drink, interesting events and stands and a really
good vibe. Everywhere you looked, punters were
smiling and chatting, enjoying the ambience of this
wonderful event which is the perfect example of
community cohesion in action. Bring on next year's!"
Mama Tokus, big-top compere
“Hi to everyone else involved in Respect Fest this year,
I couldn't make it on the Saturday but enjoyed a great
day on Sunday. Big thanks to all of you!”
Jules Neubert, event attendee
“We very much enjoyed the festival, Sound Gallery staff and volunteers and we trust it was a great success for you, too. It was
a good volunteering opportunity and a chance for young people to get involved for the first time in a live event/festival.”
Maria Peters, Sound Gallery
“What a fantastic couple of days.”
Karen Morant, event attendee
“Had a great time, my 5 year old daughter had loads to do and experienced a happy multi-cultural weekend. Thanks for all your
hard work, roll on next year!”
Fiona Pamplin, event attendee
“I enjoyed Respect festival immensely, thanks for organising volunteers.”
Diana Hekt, event volunteer
“You are very lovely - well done for putting on such a tremendously successful event! Last night I came back from the Respect
Festival and wrote a Unity in Diversity poem - today Ruth and I spoke it in the Acoustic stage tent for you. Keep doing what you
do, you do it beautifully!”
Belinda Harris-Reid, Acoustic Stage compere
“Thank you, thank you, and thank you again... what a truly wonderful event to find in the middle of Exeter! We couldn't believe
our luck, we had two fabulous days, really relaxed, brilliant fun, and crucially for us it was all free as we can't afford to go to
festivals usually. What a wonderful way to meet up with old friends and make some fantastic new ones right on our doorstep.
Please do this every year, it was BRILLIANT!”
Eleanor Scott-Wilson, event attendee
“I had no idea how diverse Exeter has become. Well
done for really positive event.”
Jamie Marsh, ice cream vendor
“Just a quick note to say thank you for the brilliant
Respect Festival. We very much enjoyed it and the
overall vibe was ace!”
Matt Whittaker, Bike Café
“You did a brilliant job! Thank you for all that hard
work!”I implore you, most earnestly, to do the same
thing next year. Respect is what we all need!”
Vicky Stewart, event attendee
“A great couple of days, everything we could want,
than you very much.”
Emily Lock, Newtown resident (retired)
Really enjoyed the festival, it keeps improving year on
year, especially the inclusive family activities, Well
done to the organisers!”
J. Brown, event attendee
11
12. research findings
A research student at Exeter University, Monica Hudcova, made Respect In The Park 2010 the subject of the dissertation for her MSc
in Tourism Development & Policy: “The Economic, Environmental and Socio-Cultural Impacts of an Event - with special reference to
the Respect Festival, Exeter, Devon, June 2010.'
We are pleased to announce that her research findings verify our overall evaluation of Respect In The Park 2011 as the city's most
successful celebration of diversity to-date, and as sustainable model for this event.
An extract from her paper's conclusion states that: “Finally, the socio-cultural impact was explored. The main aim of the Respect
festival was to promote multi-cultural understanding and to say no to racism and all forms of prejudice. This was successfully
fulfilled according to the results of the visitor survey.”
Other extracts stated that:
“Visitors were asked whether they enjoyed the multicultural atmosphere and the majority strongly agreed with this statement.”
“The majority of visitors agreed that because of the Respect festival they understand other cultures better.”
“The main benefits for the local area perceived by residents which were expressed spontaneously were: bringing the community
together, introduction of new bands and businesses to the community, opportunity for family fun, opportunity to have a good
time, increased cultural awareness, promotion of respect, increased local pride and a good image for Exeter.”
“On the understanding that the festival will continue in a similar fashion over the following years it should be welcomed positively
by the residents living around Belmont Park, which indicates the sustainable character of the event.”
“Residents felt that the festival increased cultural awareness and promoted respect. It also helped to increase local pride and give
a good image to Exeter.”
12
14. planning for Exeter respect 2011
We started planning Exeter Respect 2011 immediately after the 2010 event, hence this report and accompanying DVD.
At the time of writing we are putting together proposals for another free two-day event in Belmont Park on the same weekend
as the 2010 event, Saturday and Sunday 4 & 5 June 2011.
Our biggest sponsor, The Co-operative Membership, are already committed to our event plan and are already working with us
to build on the experience of putting on such a great event in 2010.
Negotiations are already well underway with Exeter City Council over use of the park, the Playday team have the date in their
diary and the Events & Festivals Manager is committed to further partnership working as part of their extensive support in-kind.
Likewise, the University and Guild of Students are committed to further developing their involvement in Exeter Respect and see
it as a major plank in their wider community engagement activities.
We also have a range of traders who wish to return to the event, but we still require more sponsorship and support in-kind to
be able to put on another amazing festival.
If you would like to be support the event, get involved in planning or delivery or book space at Respect In The Park 2011 please
get in touch using the contact details below.
13