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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Niki Black
This paper examines the contribution of small-scale, rural festivals to the social sustainability of their host communities.Small-scale, community originated festivals proliferate the rural landscape throughout the UK and yet despite this, festival research has focused predominantly on large, urban events and on their economic impact (Wood and Thomas 2009, Gibson and Connell 2011). This paper seeks to address the perceived research gap by examining these events through a lens of social sustainability. The research uses a case study approach focused on four festivals in Northumberland, UK. Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with festival organisers, key figures and visitors. Following a Constructivist Grounded Theory method four principle indicators were identified to determine festival contribution to community social sustainability. These indicators are: contribution to community pride and localness, enhancement of knowledge and understanding, contribution to the continuity of local culture, and enablement of networks of connectivity.The findings demonstrate the networks of connections which festivals enable between the culture, heritage and people (individuals and groups) of a place. By focusing on four indicators the paper shows the social impact of connections through the festival processes and content. The paper argues that small-scale festivals in rural locations can contribute to social sustainability if they demonstrate a balance of both consistency and innovation and accessibility and openness within the locale.This paper addresses the gap in social impact research into rural festivals and presents an original approach to identify festival impact on community social sustainability.
Author(s): Black NH
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Event and Festival Management
Year: 2016
Volume: 7
Issue: 3
Pages: 172-187
Print publication date: 01/09/2016
Acceptance date: 10/08/2016
Date deposited: 28/09/2016
ISSN (print): 1758-2954
ISSN (electronic): 1758-2962
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-04-2016-0026
DOI: 10.1108/IJEFM-04-2016-0026
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