ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights how community festivals and events should not be studied in isolation. Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary to make sense of the complex sociological, psychological and physiological impacts events can have upon various communities; how communities can be better engaged in participatory decision-making to ensure that they own the event; and how community festivals and events can not only foster pride of place, but also create meaningful connections and friendships and thus establish long-term happiness and well-being. The chapter also introduces the key themes of the book: reviving and maintaining tradition(s); a focus for belonging; challenges and tensions; and innovation in teaching and research. Interdisciplinary studies presented thereby incorporate community engagement and cultural heritage, neo-tribe theory, ethnomusicology and geography, as well as media studies, digital storytelling and participatory and autoethnographic approaches. Lastly, the chapter explains how each chapter of this edited volume provides new knowledge, insights and directions, and thus pushes the boundaries of critical event studies.
