Summer 2014
Normally I resume my globe-trekker identity
during this time of the year. You'll all know by now, if you've been following
my blog, that I'm MAD about travelling. Travelling allows me to experience
different ways of life first-handedly, and simultaneously embrace the freedom
that youth allows you before you become tied down by the heavy pressures
possible in adulthood.
But alas, being someone that's on the cusp of becoming
an adult, I felt that it was time for me to start preparing for this new
chapter in life. So it was goodbye travelling and hello work experience.
I know, this all sounds awfully boring doesn't
it?
After months of interning, I eventually landed
in the position of marketing executive for a new local radio station. Yay! Was
my immediate thought. I felt I'd been promoted to level well above that of
simply being a typical university student. I enjoy all aspects of marketing,
especially the part where you get to meet new people, even though it's difficult,
but I guess what sort of dampened my mood was that thought it would be an
in-office job. Clearly, I'd much rather be, as the locals around here say,
"out and about". Is work experience boring and does it stop me from
experiencing all the different cultures of life that travelling permits? I was
convinced that it did.
But then, two weeks into the job, I was told to
help photograph and interview the ticket-holders, staff-members and performers
of Billingham Folklore Festival. I'd never been to this festival before and having
been told that I'd been attending the finale of its 50th year in running on 16th
August, I knew I was definitely in for a treat.
And believe me, it surely was.
A feast of color and cultures
If you’ve been to the festival
before, you’ll know that renowned for gathering performers from all four
corners of the world. This year was no exception, with entertainers coming as
far as South Korea to as close as Stockport.
It began with a grand parade
throughout the town center, followed by a series of performances involving
music, dance, and this year’s special theme, poetry. The international fiesta
lasted the whole day and was finished, quite appropriately, with a large bang
and oodles of colorful sparkles (aka. Fireworks).
But hang on a minute, I hear you all
say, didn’t you say you went there as part of the press? Of course it wasn’t
all play and no work. Most of the interviews I did will soon appear on our
special radio show that’s basically going to review the event and how it’s
grown up since its birth. But, just to prove that actually I was in action (and
because I feel like treating you, my dear followers), here’s some of the
comments I received from various people I interviewed. Their identities will
remain anonymous though, btw (participant confidentiality reasons, fyi).
“I think the best part of Billingham
Festival is seeing all the groups perform together. Their enthusiasm and
creativity are incredible and can brighten up everyone’s spirits, even on the grayest
and rainiest of days.” (Quote from a volunteer at Billingham Festival)
“I’m happy that I had the privilege of
performing at Billingham Festival. I’ve loved every second of it, especially
since I was able to mingle and mix with so many different people. If we get
chosen to perform here again next year, I’d definitely be up for it!” (Quote
from a performer)
And, obviously, I took LOADS of photos - it was definitely very difficult trying to narrow them down so I hope the ones I have posted are visually aesthetic to you all, my dear followers.
I have to admit, there was more than just once that I actually felt like joining in and dancing to the music.
I guess the only area of potential
debate among those present was probably which country’s act was the best. I had
a lot of people say Chile, Spain and Russia, but I personally had my eye on
Mexico. Their ability to coordinate a mixture of traditional dance moves and
music was phenomenal and their outfits were more than just stunning. But, I
think it’s fair to say that overall, everyone’s performances were as brilliant
and as unique as the other.
So, my fellow readers, I now return
to the original question I posed: Is
work experience boring and does it stop me from experiencing all the different
cultures of life that travelling permits?
Absolutely not
x
