LoveEast.51

East life
Arts put on a range of talks and workshops, Upswing had an aerial
circus workshop and MoreYoga gave free yoga sessions. Deaf Rave also
hosted an event on the North Stage which included the hip hop artist
SignKid and a chance to try out a sub pack, which is a tactile audio
platform that delivers deeply immersive bass so that users actually feel
the music. It was really amazing! There is a lot of diversity in terms of the
sort of events on offer for In The Neighbourhood and I think that's one of
the reasons it's so popular and why it works.
We were impressed with the quality of food, and, for a festival, the
fairly reasonable prices. How are vendors chosen?
We make it a point to source as many local vendors as possible so that
the benefit goes to the community and supports it. We publicise this
in tandem with Tower Hamlets Council in the planning stages and local
businesses can sign up for an 'engagement fair'
whereby they can find out about what
opportunities are there for them in order to
be a part of the festival. It's a great way
to connect local businesses with each
other as well.
Best bit about being behind the
scenes?
This is going to sound odd but
there is an enclosed access area
that surrounds the perimeter of the
festival, which we use as a short cut to
get around quickly. It means we don't
have to wade through the crowds and
when I'm in a hurry, which is all the time, it's a
godsend. But of course, being at the festival
itself and meeting so many interesting
people is great - and not just the artists;
it's a pleasure to get to know people
from such a variety of organisations.
And the worst?
Haha - the stress! It's a lot of juggling
and thinking on your feet, needing
to remember a million details and
making sure it all goes to plan. That
said, I thrive on that - I love working to
deadlines and having the pressure to
get things done quickly and efficiently, so
there really isn't a worst bit.
Any amusing stories from All Points East
Yes - Jarvis Cocker came as a guest on one
of the days and there was a young intern
in the box office assisting. We have a
policy of checking ID to make sure the
right person gets the right access,
and since I know a lot of the media
and guests, the procedure is usually
quick. But the intern had no idea
who Jarvis was and asked for his ID.
Imagine, asking Jarvis Cocker for ID. I
interjected, of course - 'Hi Jarvis, great
to see you! Here's your wristband, hope
you enjoy the day!'
All Points East is a 10-day event
consisting of six days of world class
ticketed music events and four days
of free midweek community-focused
activities. The event attracts
hundreds of thousands of visitors
each year.
Local community engagement is
key to delivering the events And the
team works year round alongside
local stakeholders and the local
communities who are consulted
throughout the planning stages and
the events
APE maximises the ways in which
their event makes a positive impact,
whilst reducing the negative
impacts on the environment and
community. All food packaging and
cutlery is compostable and they
have a Leave No Trace policy; every
single item dropped on the grass is
picked up by their litter team.
APE works closely with traders and
suppliers to source local produce
and services to support the local
economy. They also ensure all
food traders are ethically and
environmentally conscious and there
are 90% vegetarian options on site,
and the traders serving meat only
use free range meat. Additionally,
event merchandise is ethically and
sustainably sourced.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
A range of opportunities is provided
for local businesses, operators,
suppliers and performance content
to become part of the journey
and employment and training
opportunities are provided for local
colleges and universities. There are
also volunteer opportunities.
TO FIND OUT MORE
allpointseastfestival.com
@allpointseastuk
@allpointseastuk
PHOTOS: Tod Kavonic
LOVEEAST Sept/Oct 2019 5