Compassionate Derby, a showcase of healthy, environmentally friendly and cruelty free food and lifestyle products, was held in the Darwin Suite of the Assembly Rooms, right in the heart of the Derby, on Saturday 5th November 2011.
Co-organiser DavidO writes…
A huge well done to all those involved in Compassionate Derby A.K.A. the East Midlands Vegan Festival.
We ended up with over 30 stalls, engaging speakers (that included MP’s, Buddhist teachers and highly regarded vegan cooks) and most important of all, around 700 curious members of the public wandering through – only a tiny fraction of whom were vegan.
There has been a great deal of positive feedback from stallholders and public alike, and a veritable chorus of “Please that we do it all again next year and in a BIGGER VENUE!”
The highlight for me was when a young teenager who having been persuaded to have a look around (by a giant rabbit with sparklers) came back along the same busy high street where she had been leafleted and called out “that vegan food is GORGEOUS!” to her mates (and everyone else within a wide radius).
A massive thank you to everyone who donated their valuable time to achieve such a success and in particular to the half dozen or so committed Derby Animal Rights activists who somehow brought a big idea to life in six weeks flat..
Nik adds…
I just wanted to say a huge WELL DONE to Dave O and the band of merry men (& women) who pulled it off perfectly!
I think they day went amazingly. I know a few stall holders were wishing it would be a bit busier, but for a first time I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how many people came through the doors.
Also, I’ve not been to many ‘vegan fayres’, but the ones I’ve been to have been so busy you’re restricted to your stall and don’t get to see anything else. It was nice to be able to walk around and actually see stalls rather than be looking over peoples shoulders for a quick glimpse. I even spoke to stall holders and learned a lot!
It went brilliantly and I’m glad I got to witness it.
Can’t wait for next years!
“Find details of similar events all over the UK on the Vegan Outreach Diary, compiled by Veggies Catering Campaign.”
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