WORK is at pace to bring an international festival of democracy to Bute. The project could see more than 2,000 participants making their way to the island.
Discussions have been held at the highest level at Argyll and Bute Council, with the chief executive, Pippa Milne, expected to host the event.
The event, potentially coming to Bute in the spring of next year, is based on a series of democracy festivals held across Europe, principally in the Nordic and Baltic states.
Although no bookings have been made at this stage, the festival does afford opportunities to be based on Bute and make use of existing and emerging facilities.
Bute Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle said: “Bringing this festival to Bute would be great. I would love to see it coming to fruition. It would bring lots of opportunities with it.”
There could also be an opportunity to cast the net wider to include Dunoon and Cowal, providing accommodation for festival participants. Some joined-up thinking could see transport initiatives being brought into play for the duration of the festival.
Peter O’Neill, vice-chair of the Democracy Festivals Association (DFA), said: “Democracy festivals are innovative methods for fostering and sustaining meaningful political engagement, especially for young people, women and ethnic minorities.”
He described the democracy festivals as important and dynamic cultural initiatives. Previous events have been recognised for encouraging community involvement and open debate. Mr O’Neill said these festivals can also be a fun and exciting way to promote the values of democracy.
Many of these festivals attract more than 100,000 participants over an annual two- to five-day period in a model that has been exported to countries around the world.
Participants can include thousands of people who would not normally be involved in formal politics but have an interest in cultural activities and single-issue campaigns.
Mr O’Neill added: “Hundreds of partners are usually involved in the organisation of democracy festivals, creating an eclectic ecosystem of democracy stakeholders.”
If the democracy festival comes to Bute, it could realise a huge opportunity for business right across the board.
The hospitality sector could see a major benefit, from accommodation to eating and drinking. Shops and small businesses may gain from the major footfall created by the democracy festival. It could also be good for transport to, from and on the island.
Democracy festivals foster active civic engagement, along with a culture of discussion and critical thinking.
These festivals are regarded as places that craft spaces and platforms where people can physically get together, talk to each other, get inspired, exchange opinions and debate their ideas.
