You should tell as many people as possible about any events you are arranging. There are a number of ways you can do this.
Posters and flyers
A simple poster can be put up in schools, local shops, pubs, libraries and community centres. This will help to get people to the event. You could also make smaller ‘flyers’ or leaflets and distribute them on shop counters or by hand – people often respond well to a ‘personal touch’.
Local media
Often the best way of informing people of your event is through your local newspaper, radio or television. Papers often have 'What's On' columns which advertise details of events from small groups.
You should contact the news desk at least one or two weeks before the event (or earlier if the publication is a ‘monthly’) so that they can put the date in their diary. Then contact them the day before the publication goes to press to ensure they have remembered your event.
Things that you need to tell the media:
- What's happening at the event
- When the event is taking place
- Where it is taking place
- Who is taking part
- Why is it happening
- How it will affect local people
This information can be all put together in a press release. A press release template is supplied in the downloadable factsheet.
Sometimes the press will send a photographer and/or a reporter but this can't be guaranteed. If no media attends you can send them a concise description of what happened (e.g. how many people took part and what was achieved) and a photograph of the event.