THIS PROJECT WAS TO USE THE VEHICLE OF A FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE THE TOWN, SUPPORT LOCAL SHOPS, SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCERS - TO BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PRODUCERS, CUSTOMERS AND RETAILERS - AND ENJOY IT!

The Oswestry Food & Drink Festival is brought to life by a small band of local people including traders, chefs and business people who simply want to provide a brilliant opportunity, over 2 (blissfully sunny days - they hope) to showcase the amazing food and talent in and around Oswestry and the Borders - and have a most enjoyable and fun day for everyone in the town!

John Waine, the Festival's designer, states:

Social Design, for me, is about developing forms through which to make a difference to a community - in the widest sense of the word. That form could be service, a building, a magazine, a concert, or anything else that enlivens and lifts the heart - in our case, a festival.

This year will be our third and it has been a consistent battle for resources and support, but that seems to be the way with any NEW development, you could call it birth pangs. :)

Having said that, each year brings it's own set of challenges, and I'm sure every project is similar. There is a definite life-cycle aspect to it.

I'm pleased to find this site. I was sat in the library wondering about social design, as I see shops closing, and I see people looking for solutions beyond the conventional (and often boring).

So, that's all for now...

With kind thanks

John