This is the third year I’ve been on the organising team for Twestival in Bristol. I don’t know why I do it; I sign up to help and then spend the best part of a month frantically trying to create an event out of thin air, stressing and panicking when things don’t happen immediately, and then continue to stress and panic until about 11pm on the night when virtually everything is done, everyone is having a good time and I can finally relax. At this point I usually find that I’ve had far too much to drink and should not be in charge of anything anymore! Right now though, I am charged with organising the raffle and the bands.
What with my adventures with my Meerkat last week, I couldn’t do much for BrisTwestival, and lead organiser and friend Dan Martin and I sat down and talked roughly through what we really needed to do. I think I’ve already said at least three times this year “Why did we sign up to do this AGAIN?”
But as has happened in the previous two years, once one thing happens other things happen, and it gradually picks up some momentum. This week I’ve gone from no raffle prizes to about eight confirmed, including an iPad2 donated by my employers Sift. I’m hoping this will be the lure for people to buy raffle tickets on the night. Last year’s raffle was astonishing and raised over a grand in ticket sales! A phenomenal achievement I hope to replicate this year.
We started the week with no bands confirmed, and now we have Pieman Beatbox & Temple Circus warming up for Dub Mafia. I could not be more excited! What a fantastic way to showcase the diversity Bristol still has to offer long after the legacy of local pioneers such as Massive Attack and Portishead.
I’m thrilled again at how much people are willing to offer for free, and how open and friendly people are sharing their contacts. Bristol – you really do warm my heart with your support. I cannot thank you enough.
So why do we do it? So far in the three years we’ve been doing this we have raised over £7,000 for various charities and thrown two very exciting parties which have played host to some great musical talent and been enjoyed by over 400 people at two great local venues.
If you want to get involved in any way then please drop me a message here or via Twitter @Reeb1981.
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