This is the third year of our alternative, one-day placemaking festival and it’s really developing a distinctive character.

We’ve got our theme, our lineup and our venue.

As you’d expect with this kind of project, the preparation can feel a little daunting at times, but the reward is when it all starts to come together.

What makes Patn Fest different from all the other industry-based events taking place in the region?

It’s about the tone of the festival.From the very start, we wanted to create something that fitted in with notions of place and placemaking from an emotional rather than a purely business perspective — i.e. what do we want people to feel?

Belonging. We want our placemaking attendees to feel they belong here. So, basically, Patn Fest is placemaking for placemakers.

In line with this, we’ve prepared a varied programme of speakers, presentations and performance.

It’s taking place at the Everyman Cinema in Manchester on 19 June.Hope to see you there.