Mission

Festomane's overall aims are to:To recognise and celebrate the rich and varied industrial heritage of the Stroud area - past, present and futureTo provide advice, guidance and support to manufacturing and engineering businesses in the area particularly small and medium-sized enterprises to assist them to grow and be successfulTo engage with young people – along with their parents and teachers - so they appreciate the value of manufacturing and engineering to the general economy, to realise the great career opportunities that it offers, and to understand the skills and abilities required of people wishing to work in the sector

Category

Education and Skills

Additional Information

Festomane is Stroud's annual festival of manufacturing and engineering which aims to change the public's perceptions of this sector from one of oily, smelly, belonging to the past and dying on its feet, and make them realise that in fact it's a vibrant sector which is providing the innovation and creativity to meet many of society's everyday needs. And there are hardly any overalls in sight! We also want people (especially young people) to see what excellent career opportunities are on offer, and to support small and medium-sied M&E companies in the district to grow and flourish.    Stroud district, in particular, is one of the powerhouses of M&E in the UK. For example, did you know: the lawnmower was invented in Stroud the lightning conductor was invented in Stroud the fire resistant chemical that helped to save Niki Lauder's life during a racing crash and which coated the Ariannne space shuttle was developed in Stroud 24% of the population of Stroud district work in M&E in some way M&E accounts for 25% of Britain's gross national income a man had important face reconstruction surgery using materials produced on a 3D printer developed by a company based in the district  We're currently planning our next festival which will take place in Feb 2016 and we desperately need more help with the PR and promotions work. It's a great event with a joined-up approach as not only are some key companies, such as Dairy Crest and Renishaws, involved but so are local further education colleges, local councils, the Institure of Engineering and Technology and local recruitment companies.