When I arrived in Liverpool for the first time in early 2011, I didn't know many people here, so I did a bit of scouting online. I found an article on Sevenstreets about a grass-roots multi-arts festival called Threshold, asking for volunteers to get involved.
I offered my services straight away. I was eager to get involved, not only for the opportunity to meet people, but to get back into the arts, in any capacity.
At this point, I hadn't managed to find work here, so had the free time to give. The more meetings I went to, the more excited I was about being involved.There wasn't much time before the festival and there was a lot to do so everyone got stuck in.
Threshold Festival was in it's first year, the directors were very open to suggestions and ideas, and it felt great to have become an integral part of. Because I was accidentally fortunate to have enough time on my hands, I was able to accept the offer of being the assistant stage manager for the weekend of the festival. I was thrilled, and totally honoured. It was a great confidence boost.
Truth be told, that weekend is now a bit of a blur. We were there from very very early in the morning, to very late at night, and I was never in one venue for more than five minutes before dashing to whoever needed me next, but I've never felt so proud of the job I was doing. I met so many interesting people, which would have been worth it alone, but what struck me was how happy people were to introduce me to others they thought I ought to meet.
I suppose that part of the payment for the work we had put in was the networking, but I didn't expect the level of openness I received. This, along with the pride I felt in what I was helping to create, the faith and trust that the people at the top had in me and the awe-inspiring mix of treats on offer made the it one of the best things I've ever done.
Shortly after this, a job took me back to Newquay, but things weren't the same. After such a fulfilling experience, I struggled to find my place back in party-town. Last year I returned to Liverpool for good, and am once again involved with Threshold, this time in a mainly marketing and promotions capacity. I don't have as many hours to donate this time around, but I can't put into words how happy I am to be back.
To say I'm excited about this year's festival is a bold understatement, and people, all sorts of people NEED to know about it. Although I can't give many things away at the minute, what I can say is WATCH. THIS. SPACE. Two months to go and the first acts are revealed.
