AAA White Paper The political economy of informal events, 2030 | Page 132

Casual gatherings that are crafted, not mass-
produced, informal events will shine through
much of UK entertainment and retailing in 2030.
This is a 360 º forecast of future demand for
them, and of how they could and should work
– creatively, economically, legally, and around
technology, transport and the environment.
The
Political
Economy
Of Informal
Events,
2030
Written and edited by
James Woudhuysen
Today’s popular quest for authenticity bodes
well for informal events. However, while some
are licensed as ‘People Like Us’, more plebeian
ones are easily stigmatised. This White Paper
argues that the value added, jobs created and
productivity increases made by informal events
in Britain, already impressive, could match the
explosion in our exports of live music, if only this
country had a more liberal licensing regime.
By 2030, informal events will boast more
balanced attendances, demographically, and
could provide the UK’s cash-strapped city
halls with revenues of up to £400m a year.
Contributions by Andy Burnham (Mayor of
Greater Manchester), Susan Aitken (leader
of Glasgow Council) and others confirm the
substantial and varied benefits of informal
events. Indeed, if they’re professionalised in
ways that are outlined here, informal events
could help form, by 2030, a new, cohesive
and unique wealth-making sector for Britain,
renowned worldwide for its innovation.
Free expression and free assembly are rights
fundamental to democracy. Close analysis of
crime statistics for England and Wales shows
that fears about informal events, and about The
Crowd in general, are rarely justified. This White
Paper is a powerful call for event organisers,
local authorities and all levels of government to
professionalise their handling of informal events.
That way, informal events in Britain will come to
be even more dynamic than they are now.
Published by:
132
ISBN 2019:
978-0-9576478-7-9