Guided walks, events and activities, story telling, costumed interpreters, street theatre and other performance

Advantages

• very effective – research shows that

• personal interpretation is the most effective kind of interpretation

• very flexible – as it’s designed specifically for your site

• inclusive - can attract a wide audience with people from different ages and social groups

• can tell a complex story well

• can be creative

• responsive to different audiences and their needs on the day

• can generate income

• can attract good publicity

• social experience

• can be fun and exciting

• can involve multiple skills from different partner groups as co-organisers

• can have extended life through websites, photographs, video, reports, post event exhibitions and press coverage

Disadvantages

• outdoor events are weather dependent

• some events only reach a small audience

• heavy in administration

• needs good marketing

• needs good forward planning

• requires initial financial outlay

• needs a range of skills in creation and marketing

• audience size can be limited for some events

• can be dominated by an individual

• can be a one-off experience

• if repeated, needs assessment and development