Get feedback from the public, artists, staff and all who took part. Make notes for improvement next time, for example, in roles/responsibilities, checklists and staff briefing sessions (See TIMELINE Chart).

Encourage support for your next event by thanking everyone who contributed to the event's success.

Think about using the following methods to collect feedback:

• questionnaire to be circulated at the event to be completed individually or by an interviewer
• gathering information by telephone
• debriefing/feedback sessions

The following criteria may help you to evaluation the event:

• Did the festival/event achieve its goals and objectives?
• Identify good practice examples.
• Consider issues raised by staff for improvement next time
• Did visitor numbers meet expectations and, if not, why not?
• Were emergency and contingency plans adequate?
• Was formal/informal feedback about the festival/event positive?

Celebrate the festival/event's success with some form of thank you to all who contributed. For example, you may consider holding a party, sending thank-you letters or other means. Include volunteers, sponsors, artists/performers, trades people, emergency services, local authority, landowners, media, organising committee, relevant bank/building society staff and everyone who helped with the event.

Key Points:

• Get evaluative feedback as soon as possible while details are fresh in people's minds
• Thank everyone involved by letter/email or, if possible, perhaps a staff party
• Update all records immediately
• Complete all payments and close accounts
• Set date of next event and get this into diaries and event listings

See Also:

Section 7 Case Studies
8.1 Finalise Accounts
8.2 Set Date For Next Event
8.3: Feedback to Sponsors/Funders
8.4 Final PR

Check against TIMELINE Chart
TIMELINE Chart (to start the next event)