Yes, and no. You will not be asked to pay on arrival but during the event you will be invited to consider making a contribution before you leave. This could be promise to return to help clear up later, or a cash contribution of £100 or 5 pence. There are obviously considerable costs to putting on a festival 99% of have been voluntarily given. We don't charge tickets to come but we invite you to share the costs with us. We hope you will value your experience, and make a contribution according to your ability to pay. No amount too small, or too big! And all contributions will be equally appreciated.
Please note young people attending St.Cuthbert's event on Friday 1st will not be expected to donate.
No. The festival has a no barrier to entry policy. Some events for example have restricted numbers. for these you will need to contact contributors (details with event listing on facebook) or the venue directly. (Two events require a paid ticket these are listed in the 'And also' section of the what's on page.).
All feelings and their expression are welcome here. Death and dying bring with them all the emotions, sadness, anger, hope and joy, and we welcome them all. Crew members experienced in dying matters will be available to listen, make tea and point you in the direction of help if you need it.
Children are welcome, it is entirely parents' choice if they feel any particular event is appropriate for their child.
On Sunday 3rd November at the Art Bank in Shepton Mallet there are 2 Dead Good Puppet shows and workshops for famillies at 12 noon and 3pm.
Detailed information in individual events is available on Facebook. You don't have to be on facebook to see an event listed. If you want to book a place at the event but are not on facebook contact the contributor whose website or email address ought to be visible...we hope..
The Red Brick Buildings, St. Cuthbert's and the Elim Connect Centre are wheelchair accessible. There are a one or two steps into the Art Bank. The Goddess House is up a flight of steps. There are accessible toilets in the Elim Connect Centre and Red Brick Buildings.For more information about the venues and affiliated events contact venues directly.
Absolutely. The festival welcomes memories of our animal friends who have been a special part of our lives. There is a dedicated pet remembrance space at St.Cuthbert's Church on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd.
Somerset Community Fund has kindly donated £1,200 which has gone to pay for publicity materials. The Festival is in the process of becoming a charitable association. The members will continue to raise funds to finance the festival Hub.
If you would like to donate to resource the festival Hub
Collected donations at individual events will be shared between the venue and the contributors to the festival .
Donations collected via our Chuffed fundraising platform will go towards enabling the festival organisers to continue promoting a death friendly society.
Probably over 60 people are involved in delivering the Festival of Death and Dying. Marisa Picardo, Henri Lang, Rachel Inman, Lucy Smith, Caroline Kenmore are supported by Harris Lam (design) Rachel Edgecombe, Emma Jaques-Willis, Jacinth Latta, Phillip Welsh, Tim Knock, Hayley Downer and the Art Bank team in the planning and publicity of the festival. In addition there are over 45 contributors leading the events themselves, plus staff at the individual venues and over 20 'crew' (experienced volunteers) who will be there to support on the day. For more about how the festival is organised and funded.