On Wednesday 3rd August, businesses in Swansea got together to discuss the upcoming Mumbles Gower OceanFest event.  Jay Doyle, founder of OceanFest, was overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm of the group, as offers of help, contacts and sponsorship came rolling in.

OceanFest is an example of a local event that we should all support.  Taking place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, it’s essentially a surf and stand-up-paddleboarding (SUP) tournament, inviting competitors from all over Europe to take part in events around Mumbles and Gower.  In this way, it is helping to promote the fantastic watersports opportunities that this region offers, spreading the word about our beautiful coastline and encouraging people to consider Swansea Bay as a major watersports destination.  And it’s all in aid of two very worthwhile charities – RNLI Lifeboats and the Epilepsy Society.

It was after a discussion at an SBF Network meeting last year that OceanFest was able to secure the ideal venue for the event, thanks to the support of the Mumbles Pier Development Company.  Since then, several members of the Network have been working with the organisers of OceanFest to ensure the event is a success – it’s an example of how we really can make things happen when we combine resources.

One of the ideas put forward by the group at Wednesday’s meeting was to enable local businesses to show their support for this independent, not-for-profit event, through “microsponsorship”.  The idea is that businesses and organisations can contribute to making this event a success, simply by pledging £25 to sponsor a rider.

In return, they get their logo printed onto a competitor’s T-shirt and in all publicity material for the event, a photograph of their rider on the day, and the chance to promote their involvement as widely as they wish.  And you never know, your rider might win, and generate even more positive publicity for your business!

Please do your bit to support OceanFest and the SBF Network by pledging £25 today.  Together, we really can make a difference.  Or, if you know someone who might be interested, please send them this link

http://www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com/sponsor-a-rider.html

Another offer of sponsorship came from local graphics company iCreate, who are providing 5000 flyers to promote the event to local residents and businesses.  It’s key to get the message out to as many people as possible, and to let businesses in Mumbles know what’s happening on the weekend of 9-10th September.

So if you could help by putting a stack of flyers on your counter or reception desk, or displaying a poster in your window, please contact Dawn at iCreate to request a bundle.  Perhaps you’re off to a similar event elsewhere in the UK over the coming weeks and could take a few flyers with you?  If so, that would be great.

OceanFest organisers are also seeking support in the following areas:  Sponsorship of event trophies; local photographers and film-makers to document the event and share content online; businesses in Mumbles who want to get involved during the festival; event marshalls. Can you help?  If so, please contact Jay Doyle – jayswanseabay@gmail.com.

Members of the network also suggested that social media could play a key role in spreading the word, so please post a link to the website on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter – and subscribe to the OceanFest newsletter so you can help share the latest news: http://www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com

Under-resourced and desperately short of funding in this era of local authority austerity, OceanFest needs the support of local businesses.  Members of the network were surprised to learn about the challenges of organising an independent event of this kind in Swansea Bay, and it proves the importance of all of us working together to show our support.  I would personally like to say thank you to all the local businesses who have given their time and contributed their ideas to the SBF Network over the last year.

And, if you haven’t already, find out more about OceanFest by visiting their website:  www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com

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