Greetings, landlubbers and sea dogs alike! I am delighted to recount our boisterous and highly energetic adventure as the #FoodPirates at the Lampeter Food Festival 2023, hosted by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David at UWTSD Lampeter-Llambed.
Our ‘Food Pirates’ theme was inspired by the principles laid out in Sam Conniff’s “Be More Pirate”, encouraging us to challenge norms, disrupt convention, and chart our own course for Sustainable Food Innovation. These principles were woven into the festival’s focus –food, and aligned seamlessly with the values of Harmonious Entrepreneurship and UNESCO BRIDGES Hub who champion research, teaching and initiatives that use Sustainability Science to seek just and lasting solutions to current problems.
The festival was a lively carnival of tastes, colours, and innovation, and we were thrilled to contribute our share of positive disruption and adventurous spirit. Myself, working alongside fellow pirates from the UNESCO Bridges Hub – Assoc. Professor Luci Attala and Professor Louise Steel, and our marvellous teammates Civic Mission Officer, Laura-Cait Driscoll, and student Saskia Judd, was an absolute pleasure. They rallied the crew, stirring up a whirlwind of enthusiasm.
Amongst our jolly visitors, we welcomed our newest recruit, UWTSD Chairman of Council Randolph Thomas, as well as find an adorable new mascot, Truffles the Goat.
One of the major attractions was the GamEngage’s VR Pirates game, a seafaring adventure captivating children and adults alike. GamEngage, an innovative network of academics, developers, and designers, harnesses the transformative potential of serious games, enabling social learning and resilience. Special salute to our Dr Luci Attala who expertly managed the long line of children through the VR space all day – a feat akin to being at sea for weeks!
Alongside our VR gaming bonanza, we created a pirate table with colouring activities and hats, inviting the little ones to unleash their inner pirate. Our “X Marks the Spot” exhibition not only lined the perimeter of the Old Hall, but enticed curiosity from the main corridors; showcasing inspiring stories of Harmonious Food Ventures. We also invited attendees to contribute to our ‘Disruption Bowl’, stirring up unique recipes for change.
Each session in the grand Old Hall, a perfect backdrop graciously provided by Hazel Thomas DL, was a call to action. Every interaction, a step towards sustainable food innovation. Every new crew member joining from the vibrant greens of the Food Festival bringing a fresh wave of enthusiasm and leaving with a new take on Pirates.
The day was a riotous celebration of food, fun, and the shared belief that we all can effect change. Be sure to examine the photos for a peek into the high-energy day.
A hearty thanks to all who joined us on this memorable journey. Thanks also to UNESCO Bridges Hub Despoina Tsimprikidou and HES Professor David A. Kirby for behind-the-scenes assistance.
Felicity, HES and IICED @UWTSD
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