A Festival of Democracy

Festival of Democracy: “The People’s Party”

Where democracy takes centre stage—and everyone’s invited.

In a time of disillusionment and division, this festival reclaims democracy as a living, evolving, joyful practice, not a dry institution. It helps people feel that democracy isn’t just something done for them or to them—it’s something they own, shape, and grow together.

This is a one-day, interactive celebration that transforms civic engagement into a shared, joyful, and accessible experience. Held centrally in town, it is a platform for ALL VOICES - big and small, loud and hidden, in all languages. The event mixes the vibe of a music festival, the insight of a TED conference, the inclusion of a cultural fair, and the practicality of a democracy workshop—all to celebrate, reimagine, and strengthen democracy in our region, from the ground up.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

Main Stage: Democracy Live

•  Citizen Soapbox Sessions – Residents (young and old) get 3 mins on stage to pitch a democratic idea or tell a story of change.

•  Mayors in the Hot Seat – Local leaders take live Q&As from the crowd in a high-energy, respectful format hosted by a local teen.

•  Youth Parliament in Action – Students debate ideas they’ve created for improving democracy (audience votes with paddles!).

  
  

Civic Skills Lab

Hands-on workshops and mini-trainings on:

•  How to write to your MP and actually get a response.

•  Running your own community campaign.

•  How to read a budget (and spot the fluff).

•  Misinformation mythbusting: Spot the fake, find the fact.

•  Conflict resolution circles.

  
  

Participants get a “Democracy Licence” after completing 3+ sessions.

Democracy Arcade

Games and activities that turn complex ideas into fun challenges:

•  Ballot Box Bingo – Learn how voting systems work while winning prizes.

•  Constitution Jigsaw – Help build a giant puzzle of our founding principles.

•  Bias Busters – A laser-tag-style maze where you dodge misinformation beams.

•  Election Obstacle Course – Race through barriers to voting (long lines, lost ID, fake news), with each challenge representing real issues people face.

  
  

People’s Place (Community Campfire Tent)

•  First Nations yarning circles.

•  Storytelling hour with migrants on what democracy means to them.

•  “Democracy Diaries” booth where attendees record or write their own reflections on how we can improve our system.

  
  

The Future of Democracy Tent

•  Interactive exhibits co-designed with young people and creatives.

•  AI Town Hall Simulator – Step into a VR or screen-based experience where you solve future local dilemmas as a council.

•  “Design a Better Democracy” table – co-creation station where people sketch or build new tools/systems for better decision-making.

AND A FEW INCREDIBLE HIGHLIGHTS

Cake & Constitution

A giant democracy-themed cake unveiled at 3pm—each layer representing a pillar (justice, voice, accountability, etc.). Free slices for anyone who makes a pledge to take civic action in their community.

The World’s Smallest Voting Booth

A humorous, photo-worthy activation where you step into a phone booth-sized ballot box to vote on “fun democracy dilemmas” (e.g. Should cats be allowed to vote? Should we lower the voting age to 12? Should we all get a day off after elections?).

“Dear Future Voter” Booth

Kids write letters or draw pictures to themselves about what kind of country they want to vote in someday. These are mailed back to them when they turn 18.

Finale Parade: March for the People

The festival ends with a musical, colourful parade through the streets, led by community leaders, drummers, school groups, and local causes—symbolising collective action, voice, and joy in democratic life.