OUR IMPACT
Each year we use a number of methods to measure if we’re achieving what we set out to do (you’ll find our aims in our Simplified Story of Change). Scroll down to read a few of our findings.
Feedback and Impact - SO Festival 2025
SO Festival generates pride for locals as well as providing a sense of community for visitors. The audience data for the festival in Skegness and Mablethorpe reveals a strong local and regional presence, with a high concentration of attendees from the immediate coastal area.
- 74% of locals said it made them feel proud of their local area
- 71% of visitors felt a sense of community at the festival
SO Festival continues to attract a high proportion of new audiences. In 2025, 49% of attendees were experiencing the festival for the first time
“So glad that I found out about this event. Was a really enjoyable afternoon and even better that it was free and accessible for so many.” Audience member, SO Festival
SO Festival acts as a catalyst for personal growth and the local cultural sector. It creates opportunities for professionals to connect and expand networks, reflected in an average score of 8.3/10 for “providing connections” in post-event surveys. Feedback and reflective workshops highlight two key outcomes: building professional networks and developing skills in festival delivery. Even experienced practitioners report learning something new with each edition, reinforcing the festival’s role in fostering collaboration and continuous development.
Audience Feedback
“The run up events/classes were a great addition I really hope they are back next year”
“The event was brilliant, and it was amazing to consume and consider so many pieces of art across the
weekend”
“My daughter was nervous to try the flying (Arial Workshop) on the Saturday. However, she did try on Sunday, and it was an amazing experience for us all. Now she has done it once, she will definitely do them again.”
“MDR …..I am a frugal man but would pay hard cash to see this performance, best live show I’ve seen in years.”
“Great, love it, great work”
“I really like the SO Festival because it was very interactive and fun to watch all of the performances and skills to inspire me to feel like everyone can be apart of something“
“You are very rarely able to see quality international performers for free these days. The festival provides an ideal opportunity for locals and visitors alike to gain exposure to the ‘arts’ and street performers that they may not usually have.”
“We, as a family, had a wonderful day, absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for all your hard work and effort in organising and running this. We were so pleased with everything we saw and took part in. Thank you”
“So glad that I found out about this event. Was a really enjoyable afternoon and even better that it was free and accessible for so many”
Peer Feedback
“25 years performing in outdoor arts, I thought I would arrive a bit cynical, but I was blown away by how lovely the event was, no clashing of times”
Artist Feedback
”The festival is truly rooted in the city, where life goes on as usual. It is not held on a closed or separate site, which allows different types of audiences to access the artistic offerings.” Performer, SO Festival 2025
Staff Feedback
“Once again, the team really worked effectively together, supporting each other wherever possible.” Festival Assistant
Our commitment to reduction in Environmental Impact
We’re challenging ourselves every year, after each festival we ask “what could we have done better?” Each year we are doing more to prioritise the environment and reduce the Festival’s environmental impact.
We’re no longer giving out plastic merchandise, no SO Festival balloons, pens, or flags. We’re printing fewer and fewer brochures and posters each year, moving toward digital communications as fast as our audiences allow us. We’re connected with local, regional and national environmental organisations to learn and share best practice. We work with our audiences, artists, suppliers, staff and volunteers to show them how we can be more environmentally friendly, using biodegradable materials, reducing our fuel consumption and doing our bit to help make the world a better place, making a real change.
