The Whales are coming to Brighton … and the dolphins too!

Today we will be handing the reigns to another guest blogger - Ian is the co-founder of the WhaleFest 2012 and here he tells us a bit more about it... 

WhaleFest 2012 is happening at The Hilton Brighton Metropole on the 27th and 28th of October - just before half-term week begins - and will be the biggest international get together of Whale & Dolphin enthusiasts ever staged. There’ll be so much going on, so where do we start….

The venue will be packed with Brighton families and people from across the UK, keen to enjoy the exciting range of activities we’re bringing to town. There really is something for every age group – from Ocean storytelling with internationally published children’s authors, to real-time whale watching trips, fun educational activities, workshops, life-sized whales and dolphins and a chance to discuss the career you’ve always wanted working with ocean wildlife. We have a cast of speakers and experts from across the globe, some of which you’ll recognise from your TV screens and our cinema will be showing fascinating and beautiful films all weekend. And best of all, our inspiring team of volunteers from across the UK, many of whom are whale and dolphin experts themselves, will be on hand to make sure you have a great experience at WhaleFest.

And WhaleFest 2012 also has a serious message to share.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the challenges faced in our marine environment today, and to encourage our visitors to believe that together we can make a significant difference. That’s why we’ve chosen to hold the event at The Hilton Brighton Metropole.

Because it was at this very hotel, 30 years ago in 1982, that the world’s governments voted to suspend the hunting of whales. Thirty years on, Planet Whale will be inviting the public to support its new campaign, Save The Whales: Reloaded. The campaign aims for the first time ever to bring people across the globe together to help identify the parts of our oceans that YOU want to protect.

Protestors in Brighton 1982 - credit, Press Association

Using our innovative online tool, we want you, the WhaleFest visitors, to get involved by mapping out areas of the oceans which you want to see protected for wild whales and dolphins. These will be combined with maps drawn by people across the globe to ensure members of the public, governments, charities and stakeholders all have a say in the future of our oceans.

So come and see us, be part of something BIG. Come and get a taste of what it’s like to share a planet with our most majestic neighbours and find out what makes them tick. Who knows what might happen? At the very least, you’ll leave with a boat-load of memories of a grand day out. And we hope it’ll be those memories you take with you when you take your first trip to see one of these astonishing creatures where they should all be; swimming wild and free.

Thank you Ian! To find out more about WhaleFest and to book your tickets go to: www.whale-fest.com