Dates for CB 2026

The dates are a bit close to Nest but they are OK with me.

Roger

I've sent an access request for the document. Also, I may just be showing my newness here, but how will the final decision be made? If that's written up somewhere, feel free to just direct me rather than write it out here.

Clarifying Question: are you asking for input on a decision about a change of dates just for this year or further years too? Without it being specified in the decision, I have a concern that we would accidentally/ unintentionally be setting a precedent that could cause problems down the line If some people didn't realise we're making a long-term decision etc

Re the dates, I have a slight logistical concern which is that Knockengorich hosts a festival that ends 2 weeks before we would get there (21st - 24th May). My concern is that when we show up the site's really not that pretty, or potentially even that practical; thinking that if it rains for their festival we could be showing up to a very muddy set of fields that would be no fun at all to be living in for a week.

Aside from that, June and the surrounding period is already quite busy for me as it's the summer time. If it was just for next year, sure, why not, if that's what's needed to make one happen then go for it! However, I would be really quite sad if that became the permanent dates as I really loved having something in April. There was something quite special about coming together in that way to "start the season" in some way, welcoming in the spring etc.

Have changed access so everyone can access by link

@Jake Jay-Lewin 

If we end up having it there and then wanted to continue at the Knockengorroch site then April will likely never be an option. We'd have to find another site for that.

Which I agree would be a shame as April is a much much better time of year for me too, and although the site is exciting, the dates would be a definite compromise.

Oh and regarding decision, that'll be made by the group planning next year's burn, which is still open for anyone motivated enough to join.

@Jake Jay-Lewin I think it will depend on site choices for 2027. Should we manage to purchase land then we can have a very open choice of dates, though to be fair once a date is moved it tends to stick.

Reasonable point about what state it might be in if Knockengorich festival is muddy!

I would be in favour of moving later than April mainly for weather reasons...

I don't have any strong feelings around the specifics and early June seems good to me, it will not conflict with other major burns and (maybe) still too early for midges. I would be somewhat against July & August for midge-reasons.

The dates sound fine to me. It's challenging to (a) source a site at all, (b) dodge all the other burns, and (c) dodge the midges and bad Scottish weather. This is a fine compromise that ensures we have an event.

Comment from Sparkes as she cannot login to Loomio: "June sounds fine with me as a proposed date for 2026."

(comment from me, not Sparkes this time :P)
Personally as much as I don't love the cold and have felt apprehensive about being at a new site with less cozy infrastructure during April, I do hope we could potentially return to April the year after next if we manage to find a site where we could do that. That being said, I think it might be unlikely unless we find a site we can buy.

With the current options, I am a bit conflicted regarding site.
If next year is a temporary site elsewhere while we find something more suitable then I feel somewhat drawn to the Lake district site given the low midge factor and the scenic factor. That said, I would be concerned we could lose Knockengorrach as an option going forward if we did that considering that this is the second time we've has extensive conversations with them about potentially using their site and if we don't find a place we can buy Knockengorrach may be our best rental option longer term.

Re: dates for next year: I do prefer early June, and would prefer the first week, not the second if possible, but am okay with any summer date, except end of August for next year.

I'm grateful for the work of those who've gotten as far as this AP and have put June 7-14 on the calendar, tentatively. Decisions are made by those who show up, and I trust that this group is factoring in the pushes and pulls reasonably. Thank you.