Room 2

Moderator: Adrian Bossey (Falmouth University)
Speakers: Naheed Akhtar (Research Assistant, Centre for Culture Sport and Events, University of the West of Scotland), Mary Beth Gouthro (Bournemouth University)

We are once again supporting AEME by providing a platform for new research into issues around environmental and social sustainability by member academics.

This year’s session will focus on issues around EDI, and we are delighted to welcome two more academics who will present their team’s latest research.

Dr Karen Davies from Cardiff Metropolitan University will explore the issue of inclusivity and access to music festivals for people living in poverty within a context of rising ticket prices and increasing commercialisation of music festivals.

Naheed Akhtar from the University of the West of Scotland will argue that events have the transformative potential to create inclusive spaces, amplify marginalised voices, and foster intercultural understanding. Festival programming, its accessibility measures, and community involvement strategies can all contribute to meaningful EDI outcomes.