BUTE is shortlisted to host one of the world’s most inspirational gatherings, a folk festival of democracy, crafting a collaboration of conversation.
Martijn Quinn is a senior European Commission official who is currently responsible for developing the EU’s Green Diplomacy. During 25 years at the European Commission, he has worked in the private offices for the Danish, Greek and Bulgarian Commissioners as well as in the Commission departments for trade, enlargement, justice and environment.
He is part of the team preparing to launch a Folkemodet in Scotland. This week, he talks to The Isle of Bute News.
How much does it cost to host such a gathering?
Very hard to say at this stage because we wait until a venue has been chosen before entering into detailed planning (including budget). Some points to note:
The Nordic examples show that these events can quite quickly cover their own costs and generate a small profit that can be re-invested into the community.
For the start-up, most of the costs can be in-kind support from the hosts – use of council grounds, admin support etc. The current project team have already carried out a lot of work on marketing and awareness raising.
Unlike a music festival, most of the costs are borne by those participating organisations that want to organise an event (they pay for tent, PA, speaker costs, publicity etc).
For the start-up, we envisage some support from regional development funds and also private sponsors.
Ideally, what are you looking for in a location?
Ideally, a combination of good tourist infrastructure, being an attractive destination (people should want to visit). The potential benefits to the local community (and their active support) are very important considerations. The most important factor is the strong commitment of the host and we are very pleased to have this from both of the shortlisted locations.
Bute is far – but not too far – from Edinburgh. Is the ferry ride an advantage or disadvantage? It does offer a captivating arrival.
(A reasonable) distance from Edinburgh/Holyrood is a distinct advantage. We hope that people will stay and not just come for one event and then leave. The ferry ride is an advantage – it can also give a sense of leaving politics as usual behind on the mainland. The Danish festival is also on an island and about three hours from Copenhagen.
There may not be enough accommodation on Bute. Could that be shared with hotels in nearby Dunoon?
This is one of the issues that we are discussing with the council. All options are open: camping, B&Bs, using accommodation on the Clyde coast. To note that the Danish event takes place in a village of 1,500 inhabitants and the whole island absorbs the extra visitors.
How advantageous is Perth as a location?
Both locations submitted excellent expressions of interest with distinct strengths (and some weaknesses). Both would make excellent locations. Do note they were shortlisted after six months of scouting other possible locations.
If it is tough to choose between Perth and Rothesay, would you choose to co-site or select one this year and the other booked in for the next?
All options are on the table. This is the formula for the Mod (and sporting events such as the Golf Open) and has been discussed. For the start-up years, it is probably best to have one location to get the event bedded in. To also note that the Danish event has been such a success that there have been some 40 spin-off people’s meetings focusing on specific subjects. The biggest of these attracts 10,000 people each day.
What do you believe is the spirit of Bornholm – and how can that be replicated in Scotland?
We do not seek to replicate the Danish event but rather take inspiration from it. The Scottish event will be uniquely Scottish.
We note that The Rest is Politics (TRIP) podcast is all about disagreeing agreeably. This is what we aim to promote. TRIP is also the third most listened to podcast in the UK, so we are sure that there is a big demand.
The spirit we are aiming for:
- A place for informal discussion, networking and brainstorming. Atmosphere is low key and non-threatening: a place to try out new ideas.
- Challenging party dogma is a virtue and not a headline. It is not a place for big announcements or party-political conflict. This is for party conferences.
- Participation is free for all.
- Encouraging the active participation of young people is a priority.
- Perhaps most importantly, it should be interesting and it should be fun. People have to enjoy it so they want to come back next year.
