2014 Fiesta Política

Saturday 11^th October 9.30am - 4.00pm Kirkgate Centre, Shipley.

This summary report draws on feedback from those who were there, who were overwhelmingly positive about the day and how it had been organised. Most of the 80 who came were from Bradford or other parts of West Yorkshire but a dozen came from further afield — including Sheffield, Cardiff, London and Newcastle. They said it was inspiring and insightful, and a good opportunity to network with others. Many would not get to London events and it was suggested that this one should be repeated each year in different cities of the north. Three people suggested making it a two day event next year!

We were privileged to have 11 workshop leaders, not included in the 80, who were experts in their subjects. The programme of workshops is at the bottom of the page.

How did you hear about Fiesta Política?

Most people heard about the event from a friend or from one of the organisers, others from email lists, via Facebook, through flyers at the Kirkgate centre, Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign,, Yorkshire and Humberside TUC, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, the One in Twelve Club An archist book fair, Fabric Bradford, or through involvement with TTIP 38 Degrees campaign.

What did you enjoy most about the day?

The food was a big success – mentioned by over half of people giving feedback. Francisco Dominguez’ introductory session was also much enjoyed. Respondents thought the event was well organised, in a good venue with good stalls. They enjoyed meeting like-minded people. They found the workshops informative, and liked the participatory nature of most of them. People specifically mentioned the art and music workshops as being enjoyable. Several people mentioned solidarity, and linking what we can learn from Latin America with what we do here.

Was there anything you didn't enjoy or that could have been organised better?

People would have liked more time, particularly for discussion/participation within the workshops and in the final session at the end of the day. Some people felt that the workshops were rushed. 2 people would have preferred the 2 Nicaraguan workshops to be in different slots. On a practical note, someone suggested that all the food should have been served (presumably to keep the queue shorted), the small hall would have been better set up as a circle, and that people needed to speak up.

Financially we couldn’t have done without the financial support of Bradford Morning Star Supporters Group; Leicester Masaya Link Group; Bradford Trades Council; Calderdale Trades Council; Keighley Trades Council; Bradford Unite No. 2 Branch; Priceguard DIY Westgate Shipley, and the paying stalls from World Development Movement and the Communist Party of Britain. It allowed us to keep the registration fee to £10 (£5 unwaged). Due to the good number attending, the event made a surplus which will be used for educational events in the future.

Thanks: The dozen of us who planned and implemented the Fiesta Política worked hard to make it happen, but we couldn’t have done it without: Dusty Rhodes for catering; Caroline Brown for the flyer design; all the workshop leaders; the Kirkgate Centre and its staff and volunteers; Jenny Pearce for ideas at the beginning.