We are pleased to say that we have had some recent success at getting more support from British manufacturers and producers for our British Family Fayre (http://britishfamilyfayre.co.uk/). Most recently we have large high street chain Lush Cosmetics, luxury underwear brand Cahoonas and Shepherd Neame brewery all signed up to give workshops at our event on 31st August. We are also in discussions with a number of other businesses also considering attending. In addition, we are pleased to have the National Farmers Union (NFU) fully supporting our message and they intend on bringing something quite special to the day. Watch this space for more info.
With only 9 weeks to go to the big day it finally feels like we are gathering steam. Better late than never! I have to admit to the organisation of this event to have been about the most stressful thing we have ever undertaken as a family. There have been many occasions were we felt like throwing in the towel but, mostly through pig-headedness, we seem to actually be pulling it off. Thank you to those that have supported us throughout.
The British Family Fayre will be FREE TO ATTEND
Another important announcement that we are pleased to make is that the fayre will be free for all visitors. This was something that we were hoping to be able to achieve, dependant on overheads. It was always our ambition to get as many people to join us to celebrate British manufacturing, farming and production as possible. Offering a great family day out for free will hopefully allow us to exceed our 5000 expected attendees.
Opportunities for smaller businesses:
Another recent addition to our event is The Market Place (http://www.britishfamilyfayre.co.uk/market-place/). Based on feedback, we were finding smaller businesses that wanted to get involved were struggling with the £300 cost of a workshop, so we have put together a smaller, sales only, package for just £150. This allows smaller businesses to benefit from the day and to sell and promote there goods with less of the outlay. These spaces are strictly limited to 20 places, and since our quiet launch of this late last week 3 spaces have already been taken. These opportunities will go fast, so get in early to avoid disappointment.
It is also worth re-stating here that the event is entirely not-for-profit. Non of the organisers, including the professional events company Lincoln West, are not making a penny from it. Any funds raised are being solely used to cover the logistical costs of the event itself.
Let me entertain you:
We are also looking for entertainment on the day. Specifically, we are searching for anything with a British theme or that celebrates the cultural diversity we have in the UK. We welcome ideas, and offers of support, both leading up to the event and on the day itself. We are also looking for talented individuals and groups to come an entertain our crowds. It would be great to find traditional and modern dance troupes, choirs and musical ensembles or indeed anything else that you feel would add something uniquely British. Emily would personally like a colliery band and, as the 31st August is her Birthday, we are going to do what we can to accommodate this.
We do have a limited budget available to cover some costs and expenses with regard to entertainment but due to the nature of the event we would also welcome offers of support of a more charitable nature.
Good to see Shepherd Neame are going to be there.
Top class brewery!