what our inspiration stands are like
The first One Voice for Veggies stall at the 2004
Womad festival in Reading was a fantastic success.
Hundreds of people came to talk to us and
look round our stand, and thousands took leaflets. We ran out of many leaflets half way through
the weekend - so we asked for many more for Womad 2005.
The 2005 event was even more fun and successful. The photos give you a good idea, as does our Womad 2005 stand write up.
With your help we can make it even better every time.
We publish the latest plans on this website - just chip in where you have ideas, inspiration or practical advice.
Contact us if you want to be part of One Voice for Veggies stands or even co-ordinate one.
There are many ways you can help out, some not even involving coming to the event. Whatever help any of you can give will be wonderful!
The basic stand plan
Here's the basic stand plan but some input from any design and marketing people is always excellent - plus anyone who likes making things fun!
appearance of the stall:
A bright and vibrant stall positively celebrating and informing on all aspects of
vegetarianism. We use the fabulous banner made for us by Stuart Heritage.
The stall is shaded under a smart marquee. We've bought a commercial quality
one to last for many events to come.
We have furniture leant by local veggies, and great display stands from VegSoc and Solent Veggies.
stand contents:
- A display of merchandise and specially selected leaflets.
- Attractive and fun displays on vegetarian issues (thanks Jane and Andy for wonderful Womad 2005 ones). At Womad 2005 they highlighted:
- global environmental and humanitarian impact of eating habits
- getting a legal definition of vegetarian and vegan
- fish aren't vegetables (Fishconceptions: a beautifully illustrated and humorous Vegetarian Society information campaign)
- the wonderful vegan and vegetarian food available at Womad with a guide to the food stalls and local area. We will research this in advance (based on our collective experience) and provide a handout guide.
To help make it an encouraging environment we'll have toys and stickers to keep young children occupied whilst elders talk, shade and a small amount of seating for people to chat and read. As regular festival goers these are things we know would be appreciated!
stand manning:
The stand is well staffed by a rota of volunteers happy to talk about all vegetarian issues with anyone. Some volunteers will know more about particular issues and organisations, so can always be referred to for in depth info.
Several organisations (such as the Vegetarian Society, Vegan Society, Viva! and Animal Aid) are represented by the literature and displays and are highly supportive of the events (including supplying some materials and equipment, and even volunteers).
It's fun and effective to have people in costumes handing out leaflets and acting out scenes, with other people talking to people about what it's all about.
Tell us about any appropriate or fun costumes you can get hold of or make.If you would like to be part of this or lend practical support, do take a look at the kind of help and people we'd appreciate.
things for sale:
It's all too easy to overstretch ourselves on what we have on sale, so we've found it best to simplify things and keep it to the bear minimum.
- Selected Vegetarian Society, Vegan Society, Animal Aid and Viva! major publications.
- A good recipe book.
- Liz Cook's nutrition charts.
- The ability to make a solid commitment to vegetarianism via being able to sign up for membership of one (or all) of the societies being represented. If the Societies want to make this happen seriously, they need to help staff the stand, as most volunteers feel awkward selling anything, including membership.
- At Womad events, our own veggie guide to the food stalls and local area.
- Bottled water.
All profits go to charities represented.
Please note we are not allowed to sell fresh food or drink at the WOmad festival, which can be the case elsewhere too, much as we'd like to.