ABSTRACT
Any historical understanding of the relationship between festivals and their host cities needs to embrace an extensive range of processes and variables, which include recognizing the interplay between tradition and innovation. The essential stimulus for that growth of festivals was economic change. Although the precursors may have acted as a proving ground for festivalization, there was perceived to be little incentive to invest in cultural activity when the main focus was on the manufacturing economy. Besides perhaps exposing residents in the areas in question to noise, litter and possible antisocial behaviour during the festival, there may be problems of damage to parks and gardens that persist well beyond the event until remedial action is taken. By and large, the abiding response has been that enhanced security is the preferred option rather than cancellations that might be seen as a curtailment of legitimate civic activity in the face of fear.
