Programming and design

Yep you've guessed it - July's silence till now means that we're deep in the process of finalising the programme and passing it to the web and print designers. No mean feat when you're talking about 30 partner venues, 150+ events and what feels like hundred of logos, images, etc.

Of course the programme will eventually go public - we'd think it's likely to be September sometime, but watch this space.

Me, me, me...

This post nicely follows the "work, work, work" one - things only come in threes round here it seems!

Of course, the festival couldn't happen without the help and goodwill of a lot of people and organisations - it's not all "me, me, me". And here are two of them to prove it! Owen and Caroline work at MoSI in the learning centre and have programmed ALL of the content at the museum - a huge task.

Thank you guys - for your effort, your enthusiasm, your patience, and most of all, your good humour!

[BTW - note on the wall in the background the cutting from the Guardian saying that orange clothes are "going up" - festival T-shirts here we come!]


technorati tag: manchester science festival

End of the week rush...

It's Friday morning about 10.30am.

I've played with updating content on the newly delivered website, arranged for delivery of 100k postcards and 20k festival programmes, sent an email to the volunteers about the launch next week, and fielded calls/ emails about the festival from as close as Leyland and as far away as Sweden and Singapore!

All of which leaves me with one question... Is it time to go home yet?


technorati tag: manchester science festival

A week and a day...

It's a week and a day until we launch and go public with both the programme and the website. I don't know if it'll be a huge relief or completely terrifying - probably both!

I've just seen the final proofs for the website and I'm really pleased with them. Given that we've worked with three different designers on the three major marketing elements (print, web and education - long story as to why!) I'm delighted that they've all turned out to look so similar and feel like a united brand. And that all the designers have been so patient and flexible! Thanks to Raid Associates, Idaho and A&P.


technorati tag: manchester science festival

Work, work, work...

With less than 10 days till the programme launch, and less than five weeks until the festival itself, things are moving on apace!

I always find this an exciting time – when the majority of the hard work is behind you (or should be, apart from the festival itself!) and the preparation is starting to pay off. It’s not that thrilling for all of you I’m guessing (!), but knowing that the programmes, postcards, Tshirts, banners, badges, and other stuff is all ordered and due in time means I sleep better at night!

And generally, things seem to be going smoothly, even if I am a bit busy overall. I say “seem to” because my colleague in the office said the other day that this is always the calm before the storm – I know I’m prepared for what I should be prepared for, it’s just what I didn’t know I needed to be prepared for that I need to worry about…

Don’t forget that we’re running a series of trailblazers during October, in partnership with lots of other Manchester institutions and festivals – I’ll post more about those in due course.

technorati tag: manchester science festival