The First South East Regional Carnival Networking Event was held on Thursday 8th March 2007.   This was commissioned by the Arts Council England (ACE) who approached Reading Community Carnival Committee and asked us whether we could host the event. As Reading was about to celebrate 30 years of carnival and it is easy to get to by public transport, it seemed appropriate that we take up the challenge.

 The purpose of the event was to bring together “Carnivalists” from all over the South East. This would provide an opportunity to share ideas, discuss relevant topics, set up a South East Regional Networking Forum and have fun. It was important that the day reflected the range of carnivals in the South East including traditional English carnivals, community carnivals and Caribbean carnivals.There were displays from a number of groups including an elaborate display of costumes from the Isle of Wight. There were also keynote speakers on topics such as Police & Licensing, The Role of the Press, Funding and Development and Opportunities for 2012.

There were 4 workshops which were allocated 20 minutes each, which were repeated after a short break to enable delegates to attend 2 workshops. These were:

 There were over 80 delegates signed in and some that joined us later. The event ran from 11am to 11pm with a range of entertainment to complete the evening. Morris Dancers, Costume Dances, Steel Bands and a Soca band kept us dancing from 7.30pm.

 The committee would like to thank the Arts Council England for giving us the opportunity and funding to host the event, the speakers and workshop facilitators, the groups who provided an amazing display of carnival arts and projects, the caterers, Reading Borough Council and the staff at 21 South Street. We also like to thank the delegates for joining us in what really was an enjoyable and informative event.

Polly Falconer

Project Manager