Continuing My Research Journey As some of you know, I’ve been coupling my love for alternative music and arts festivals with my PhD research. Over the next couple of months, I’ll be collecting data and attending festivals so I can finally start writing — and hopefully complete my thesis in the next couple of years! There have definitely been moments where I’ve considered giving it up, but my passion for this research, and the support and love I receive from this community, keep me going ❤️ --- Why This Matters Events and festivals have profoundly shaped the person I am today. The influence of festival communities on my personal growth and self-development is undeniable — they’ve helped me find my people, my purpose, and my environmental values. Many of my social identities were formed through the connections and shared experiences I’ve had at festivals, and this has had a lasting impact on how I live and act in the world. This deep personal connection inspired my research. --- The Research My PhD explores how music festivals influence the social identities of participants, and how these influences can support pro-environmental behaviour. The first stage of the research — involving festival directors, staff, and long-term volunteers — has already indicated that ongoing involvement in festivals can strengthen social identities that encourage pro-environmental attitudes and intentions. Now it’s time to take the research to the people! I’ve just returned from Dragon Dreaming, where the first round of data collection began. Next, I’ll be heading to Earth Frequency, and possibly one or two more festivals before the end of the year to broaden my sample and deepen the data set. --- How Your Support Helps PhD budgets are small — and while I’m lucky to have some research funding, I’ll still be dipping into personal funds to make these trips a reality. Any contribution, big or small, will go directly towards helping cover accommodation and travel costs for upcoming festivals. Your support helps me continue this journey and give something back to the festival community that has given me so much throughout my life. Thank you all so much for your ongoing support — it means the world. ❤️