A free festival depends on local goodwill. This page explains the roles that vendors, donors and community groups have played at Groovefest, based on the archived vendor page.
Why vendors matter
Because Groovefest charges no admission, the organisers relied on stall holders and supporters to make the event possible. The archived page described vendors and sponsors as the people who let the festival back local businesses, arts, music and human rights awareness. Information booths for community organisations were welcome too.
Who took part
Over the years the archive lists a long line of small supporters, including local shops, cafes, a bank, a sign maker, a music store, an estate-sales business, a bicycle shop, an arts school and sustainability and peace organisations. The lists shrank or grew from year to year, with entries for 2015 through 2019. The original page thanked donors each year, as well as the speakers, musicians and wider community. We do not reproduce the names here.
How the pages were organised
The original page had separate sections for vendors, donors and volunteers, each with a short note about how to get involved. Those contact details are no longer current and have been removed.
What a stall adds to a festival
- Food and drink, so visitors can stay all day.
- Arts and crafts from local makers.
- Information tables on causes such as animal rescue, voting and sustainability.
- A sense of community, since many stall holders are neighbours of the park.
For more, see volunteers, sponsors and the overview.