About Us
The Sunrise Manifesto
Our aim is:
“To create a small part of the worlds future great democracy”
Through creating an environment and an experience that supports the expression of goodwill in all those who attend.
Partaking in the ushering in of the new paradigm of holistic, sustainable living, natural wisdom and the loving unity of all beings.
To wake up from our slumber a generation - In remembrance of our inner power, wisdom and connection. Rising Up!
Transitioning to a new paradigm
We are living at a time where the present dominant culture on the planet has migrated away from many of the values that make for a healthy society, and has lost sight of the subtle energy that joins all living things.
We live within the present system and its status quo, and at the same time we are working towards creating another where our life on the planet is entirely sustainable and where love and wellbing are the foremost consideration of our species, and success in not measured on a balance sheet but by happiness and peace.
The things we do must have value and the ability to function in both now and in the world we are working towards.
Our Vision and Values
The vision of the festival comes out of our observation and experience of principles that can guide our way of living so as to benefit all life.
- We are one
Our vision for the event comes from a holistic worldview. Understanding that we are one part of a beautiful intricate system with the earth and not separated from it .
- Natural wisdom
That there is an innate wisdom in Nature that we can observe and follow.
We live in harmony with our environment not because scientists tell us we must, but because we understand that we are part of an interdependent two-way communication with our natural environment and we our waste products are our conversation with the earth.
- A Holistic permaculture
The one problem - one solution approach of the present dominant culture does not look at the system as a whole. The permaculture perspective acknowledges that there is not one thing to change, but many factors to finely tune as we move into harmony with our planet and each other. That nothing can be looked at in isolation and that there are connections between all things.
- The world is abundant
Believing that, if we all share, there are enough food and resources for everyone on the planet without damaging its systems. By changing the focus and style of our consumption we can feed the world with the amount of people in it now. It is only with the present consumption pattern, and the gross inequality that there is fear of lack.
- Personal responsibility, empowerment and positive thinking
To walk together into a new paradigm we need to be taking responsibility for ourselves and our communities. To be empowered and know that what we do shapes our world.
Taking responsibility for ourselves means being free from blame and owning our reactions and experiences.
In touch with the source of all things at all times. Empowered so that power is never necessary to use. And that we are aware enough to act from our truth with compassion in every moment. We are Rising Up!
- Strong communities
Many of the problems endemic in this society are caused or exasperated by the fragmented communites we live in where food is not grown locally and people do not know their neighbours, and are not accountable to each other. The monocultural multinationalism that is so dominant today helps to create this.
By creating produce locally we are in touch with the earth we are living on and with each other.
Stronger communities make for resilliance from shocks in international markets. Reduce crime due to less anonymity, reduce social exclusion due to everyone having a place and create safer more nurturing environments.
The Event
Sunrise has these values underpinning the event. And with these in mind we intend to manifest the following through our event.
When so many people gather together with positive intentions and consciousness and celebrate life
- Solutions
Understanding that in order to create a positive future we must focus on what we have, not what we do not. Focusing on the solutions not the problems, and doing so not out of our fear of the alternative, but out of positivity and love for people and planet. Giving energy to the creation of what we want, as we will never get there if we focus on destroying what we do not.
- A Family
We are all brothers and sisters, we aim to create a a sense of family where everyone feels at home.
- Environment
As a festival Sunrise will always work with the highest possible production standards. And be a part in creating the world we want to live in. Using low impact technology and working along permaculture principles as a part the whole.
Not due to fear of what will happen otherwise or to appear to be ethically sound, but because there is an innate natural wisdom that teaches us not to degrade our environment or create waste we cannot use.
- Ethics
As a Communitiy Interest Company (CIC) the work we do is to achieve social and environmental benefit. We believe that a Social enterprise business are a new wave of companies with a conscience, where the profit made is monetary, social and environmental. If we all work with these aims we could not damage our world in the way we have been. Social enterprise is a stepping stone from the present model of business into a more enlightened one.
- A Forum for Emergent Ideas
Educational - a forum for cutting edge ideas, knowing that truth has many aspects and love is large enough to encompass them all. There are many fantastic dialogues emerging all the time, guiding and shaping us. We aim to address many of the core issues facing us today in a non-dogmatic fashion, allowing them to guide the global conversation.
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Sharing and networking
We are not alone. We are part of millions of people across the planet that are working to create a more holistic sustainable future. By meeting each other connecting and to networks we can for rafts to sail through turbulent times. By sharing what we have we will all have enough in the world.
- Generating good will and kindness
The event itself can act as a good will generator, with everyone working with their highest intention and giving love and kindness to everyone around them we can create a good will generator and people who gather at the event ca take an inspired positive attitude away with them back to their communities. Spread the love.
- Celebration
Gratitude is perhaps one of the most important keys to happiness and awareness. Sunrise is a celebration of life and its beauty and the main focus of the event is of positive heartfelt gartitude for this wonderful experience of life and the beautiful lives we have.
Natural Communities and The Natural Communities Foundation
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As you may know, the Sunrise Celebration is run by Natural Communities CIC, a Community Interest Company. Natural Communities is a CIC limited by Guarantee. What that means is that it is Non-Profit, with no shareholders only members, and ensures that all surplus is put back into its projects or else into the community that it serves |
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After the Great Floods of 2008, the Sunrise Organisers came to the conclusion that the CIC model would be the most beneficial to the long-term success of the Sunrise Celebration Festivals. A Community Interest Company is eligible for public funding whilst still remaining open to private investment and other sources of finance. After the floods of 2008 and the great energy output made by everybody involved, and listening to general feedback, it was clear that in order for us to maintain our position as ethical leaders in the festival world, Sunrise would benefit greatly from a transition to a more transparent structure.
Natural Communities CIC has been set-up to take Sunrise to the next level. For the first time, it will be about more than just an event. Perhaps the best way to explain our guiding principles is to copy from our objects:-
- To carry out commercial activities with a net social gain.
- Promote the development of sustainable communities that are resilient, self-reliant and responsible.
- Supporting, educating and empowering individuals for their personal development.
- Promoting and educating the general public in sustainable practices on an individual, community and worldwide level.
- Providing the general public with the skills, tools and education they require in order to be functional members of sustainable, resilient communities.
- To support human society through the transition to more sustainable practices.
- To support creativity and creative expression of individuals and groups.
- To promote and support non-political causes and campaigns, and address issues of social justice, artist freedom, human rights, the environment, natural health and nutrition.
- To run projects to further the aims of the CIC and create an income
- Reinvest profit into the aims of the CIC and any surplus donated to any organisation that furthers the aims of the CIC.
As well as the production of the festivals, Natural Communities CIC has as its focus the promotion and establishment of Sustainable Communities. As an organization, it is aligned in principle with the burgeoning Transition Movement which has set out to build a more sustainable world through redeveloping community resilience, something we have largely lost. More details of Natural Communities Projects will appear in the near future.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy another beautiful Sunrise with us, and if you cannot make the first event, come and check out our new offering Sunrise: Off Grid, a new pioneering festival experience. www.sunrise-offgrid.co.uk
For more information on CICs please visit www.cicregulator.gov.uk
Natural Communities CIC Community Interest Statement is available on request
All Profits from Sunrise Celebration 2011 will go to the Natural Communities Foundation to aid in their support of the environment, arts, culture and community. NCF has been set up to further Sunrise's goals in sustainable land management, permaculture and organic food production, sustainable community, spiritual development and its other charitable purposes. Visit the NCF website - www.naturalcommunitiesfoundation.org for more details (Website coming soon).
THE SUNRISE TEAM
Sunrise is run by a great team of dedicated and passionate people who all feel it in their hearts and love what they do, working tirelessly for very little other than good vibes! Thousands of people are involved in putting on the event and every role is of crucial importance and make it what it is, carrying the energy and the ethos.
However we'd love to introduce you to the core crew, based in Glastonbury, who carry the flame throughout the winter months:
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Global Operations Director Evil Dictator. Recently awarded an Oscar for his performances. Dan has been involved in Sunrise since its inception, first as Safety and Licensing Director then from 2008 as Operations Manager, before becoming Operations Director in 2009. Dan flourishes most when designing one-way systems, complex traffic and pedestrian patterns, gate management plans and all the boring stuff that nobody else could possibly like. He has little interest in what happens out in the public arena, which is lucky as he never gets to see any of it! He employs a variety of external backbones to ensure that he doesn't have to deal with anything that may cause him to give away tickets, money or face angry people. Dan blames his obsession with festivals on too many years playing Civilisation and Sim City on his Commodore Amiga. Is determined to one day turn his skills in temporary community creation into something more permanent and is plotting the future Sunrise micro-nation... |
Head Girl! Sales and Marketing Superstar, Sophie is Sunrise's saviour in so many ways. As our resident Enlightened Capitalist, Sophie loves plotting graphs showing how much money we haven't taken. She is the recent bearer of the latest edition to the Sunrise family, baby Oscar, who has already slain his father and taken his place at the top! Sophie can often be found revealed at the office window, having forgotten to shut the milk bar after feeding time. Hmm...wonder how long this profile will last? |
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In the past he has been web contents manager for Mushroom records and helped set up PondLife Studios, a company specialising in the production and sale of music by ‘festival’ acts. Past accolades include being one of the founding members of the 'Utrophia' arts network in London.
After years of service to the event as Markets Manager, Jon has now stepped up to take on a wider role, helping steer Sunrise towards a more sustainable future. Jon is a rare thing, a successful ethical businessman! He runs the various enterprises and is involved in many of the brightest and best festivals out there - from Glastonbury to Glade through Beautiful Days... |
Sarah Hearl:Finance Manager Mysterious Sarah, where she hails from nobody knows. Can she count? Yes! Did she pass GCSE Maths? Yes! That must mean she's our New Finance Manager!! All hail our new Finance Queen. May she escape the fate of the previous incumbents....
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Rachie has been with Sunrise since its birth in 2006, providing the vital link between site crew and creative production (well, stopping each killing the other), kicking the sorry behinds of those daring not to do what they have promised and generally being sexy and bad-ass. An advocate of good wholesome living, medieval dance and the international Rainbow movement. Rachie also site manages the Tipi Field at Glastonbury, and was named one of the Unsung Heroes of the big festival in The Independent in 2010. |
Green Parent columnist, author and 'Everyday Alchemist' Natalie is a full power marketing magician, bringing focus and professionalism to the Sunrise Team x Has a fondness for soft light photos, ideally with puppies. Keeps Sophie in check whilst pumping out our Sunrise propaganda to an unsuspecting public. Love her we do! |
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In June 2007 she heard the call, got in her car and drove west to take her place in the Production office at Sunrise. After the great deluge of 2008 she could be found pulling Sunrise out of the mud (literally) and she and her magic sunrise site crew went on to recreate it in a field at the Big Chill. In 2009 Sunrise moved to a lovely site in Bruton were she took on the Role as Production mananger. Since heading west she has also been Production manager for Waveform festival and Procurements manager for the Big Green Gathering. So If you need a marquee, a trailer or an emergency plumbing job on site at 2am, you know who to call….
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Tracey Robinson Crew, Ticketing and Volunteer Manager, Dan's PA, Office Manager and a range of unspecified but no less important titles
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Torbz Web gimp and undisputed 'not sexier-than-Dan' title holder (the rest are far sexier). Torbz was, possibly, the third person to really join the Sunrise Team way back in 2006, taking on promotion, graphics, web and many other things. Managed to go and pop out a baby moments before Sunrise was due to kick off for the first time (well, his partner Maz did!). Taught Dan's son to call him a 'sketchy hippy'. Loved for his humor, passion and dedication. Just don't mention Aria to us...
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Vicki Purple first ran away with the festivals in 1987. Her previous jobs include occult bookseller, band manager and working in a music venue. She has been working with the Sunrise Celebration since 2006. In the first year she accidentally became Procurements Officer purely because there was no one else to do it. She has fulfilled various roles since then, mostly doing the tasks that no one else wanted to do. She is one of the people in the office that can spell and compose a sentence in reasonable English, and consequently has a wholly undeserved reputation as a pedant. At Sunrise Off-Grid she took the opportunity to do some creative production, co-ordinating the Crafts and Alt Tech area, and will be doing more of the same in the future. She has also worked at numerous other festivals throughout the UK on box office, gates, steward co-ordination, crew ticketing, security comms and washing up. She likes handsome bearded men that can beat her in an argument, but sadly meets too few of them. Phil Marken - Carnival of Life Field Coordinator
Eventually he transcended from the shoulder(much to Dan's relief)to the Sunrise core crew and is new for 2011, and shall be sitting high on a silver cloud glancing down occasionally with his exquisite cherubic grace to oversee the Carnival of Life field. Phil spends the winter and spring in West Yorkshire where he plans heavenlymutiny's to try and steal that young upstart Cupid's magicalbow and arrow- with which, when he finally gains it, he will spread the love INDISCRIMINATELY. In his spare time, and living in Leeds, Phil runs The Ladybird Project, spattering communication, colour and creativity throughout an area of the city which is fairly deprived of just that. Alongside this he runs Cabarets and Folk music nights, and writes poems about important issues like why people get rained on and what that gust of wind is really trying to achieve at lunchtime. Phil frequently rambles incoherently to Big Daddy Dan in an attempt to inspire him so utterly that he will lavishly surrender loads of tickets and wonga so the Carnival of Life field will be completely, ridiculously amazing andpeople will sell their kidneys to come back next year. Phil hopesyou've got two kidneys. |
Press Officer Our dear office bubble with the fiery Irish temperament. Can be seen sharing air kisses and champagne or else cat-fighting with anyone who growls the wrong way. Loves new boots, kittens and kickboxing. Rather good at finding THE place to be or making it wherever she is. Why are all the office women so scary?...We mean empowered...
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Tiger Lily Raphael: Ents Manager New to the Sunrise team in 2010, Lily joined us as Artist liaison 'officer' before springing up to Bookings Manager in 2011. Initially thought to bring fresh ears and a dedicated love for music, but recently caught fouling the air with a Spice Girls track at a Sunrise party - 'sheer audacity!' as she so marvellously put it. Her rather lovely smile is a fine addition to the proceedings, we welcome her to the team. P.S. Less scary but no less empowered than the rest of the female members of the Sunrise Team. |
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And finally.... Jon Cousins, Off-Grid Gathering Coordinator Jon has joined us in 2011 as Green Talks coordinator at Sunrise and as the facilitator for Sunrise: Off-Grid 2011. Jon is a remarkable man. A Green Party Town Councillor, an eco-pioneer, a radical, a revolutionary anarchist, a musician, a pacifist, a wizard, a shop assistant and so much more. Jon's passive-aggressive nature may make him a man not to cross (which is mightier, the meat cleaver or the pen?) but we are delighted to have him on board.
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Sophie Docker
Jon Evans: Concessions Manager, Director of Business and Environment
Rachel Inman: Arena Production Manager
Natalie Fee: Marketing Manager
Jane Healy: Production Manager
On the scene for a good wee lot of years now, Phil was first employed to pick the mud out of the grooves in Dan Hurring's wellies each night. Within 6 months he was mending the hems on Dans trousers and from there quite literally crawled his way to the top, gingerly...He eventually gained the privileged position of sitting on Dan's left shoulder. After eighteen months he wascompletely ensconced, and Phil set about repeating absolutely everything Dan said, whilst dodging Dan's deft attempts at dislodging him. Alliteration was both their strong points.
Kat Ritchie
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