The seriously useful side of fetes and festivals

A trip to visit my mother at the weekend in Pangbourne on Thames coincided with the traditional annual village fete, and reminded me how important these and similar events are in maintaining the fabric of local life in some communities.
It was a sparkling afternoon on the meadows beside the river, with the usual bouncy castle, climbing wall, face painting, and so on for the children, together with Tug of War, beer tent and boat races for those a little older. Karaoke and Silver band alternated in the marquee, and stands offered home made produce, roast pig and support for local groups.
The dog show was none of the usual gentle run around the judging ring, but a sort of obstacle race for dogs and owners through hoop and tunnel. Great fun for the thousands who attended, and a boost to local charity funds. Just as important, I suspect were the relationships maintained and developed during the year of organising by the voluntary committee and participants, and the chance for the village to get together in one place and everyone to remind themselves who's who.

Events may be even more important in building community ties in places that have more diverse populations than Berkshire villages, so I was delighted receive news via David Wortley's e-newsletter of events of the Middlesbrough Mela. Even more so because the University of Teesside - whose research I wrote about recently - is adding a new media dimension.
I can't do better than quote this description from Steve Thompson, who is organising the Internet coverage - beyond saying that if steel worker, musican turned community media enthusiast Steve is involved it should be fun. I think I'll make the trip north and learn how these things are done well.
"Not in Middlesbrough on Sunday 18th July? Going to miss the Mela? You would be wrong! For the second year running, the University of Teesside is broadcasting the sights and sounds of the cultural festival live on the Internet, making it accessible from anywhere in the world.
"This year, in partnership with Onyx Internet, the live stream will be established via wireless technology, allowing direct transmission from the newly built bandstand in Albert Park without the hassle of trailing cables. The Internet dimension of the Mela is being implemented by Steve Thompson, the University's Community Media Co-ordinator and Andrew Vause, Technical Developer with the University's School of Computing.
"In addition to getting a live taste of the day in the form of webcam images and an audio feed from the main stage, those logging on can access a kaleidoscope of pictures uploaded by roving digital photographers.
"Both the live stream and all the pictures from the day will be available at http://www.boromela.co.uk from 12PM onwards. People in the park with phone cams may send their pictures to pics@boromela.co.uk for uploading.
"The Middlesbrough Mela Festival is now in its 14th year. Last year's event attracted 25,000 visitors and seven hours of unbroken sunshine. The Mela Management Committee, who organise the event, is extremely proud of the way in which it brings together people from across the ethnic spectrum in a day of free celebration and interaction.
"For more information on forthcoming Community Media initiatives and participation opportunities, please contact Steve Thompson, Community Media Co-ordinator, Department of Academic Enterprise, University of Teesside on 01642 384567 or email s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk "