I loved that everyone was there to celebrate the wonder of automata and mechanical creativity, the complex and the simple. It was so lovely to meet people in person from all over the world, chat and share our enthusiasm. Listening to the speakers was so inspiring.
How would you rate your experience at AutomataFest?
Wonderful, from the warm and helpful welcoming staff to the interesting talks and presentations .
Very friendly, informal atmosphere and lots of interesting displays and activities
The atmosphere at the festival felt electric! I spent the whole 3 days feeling so happy and positive, meeting my idols (all of them) in one place was so overwhelming ( in a good way) I felt quite tearful at times too. so many makers that i've admired over the years, plus the feeling that everyone in the room felt the same love of automata just made it feel like I had found my tribe!
Absolutely fantastic. What a treat to chat to makers who I have followed for years. I finally feel like part of the club! It was lovely to be able to bring along and display one of my own creations too. The mix of talks was great, I learnt loads, am inspired to try different things, and carry on with my own automata that have hit snags
A wonderful opportunity to experience fantastic, funny, quirky automata and even get to know their makers.
Well organised, good selection of automata makers, in a great venue.
Too many ideas running through my head to describe the fun and informative times that were had. But one stand out for me personally was meeting my tribe after many years of feeling pretty isolated from like minded artists. I've made so many new friends now, simply very very happy.
AutomataFest for me was a chance to meet good old friends, see old and new automata (and makers), network and have a good time together. This fest exceeded my expectations, there were a few surprises, lots to see and talk about.
Everybody was outstanding and well worthy of their stage presence, plus left me with more knowledge than I had before.
Which presentations did you enjoy the most and why?
I genuinely found all very interesting and enjoyable .
Tim Hunkin and Paul Spooner. Simply because they were my inspiration into this hobby. I have a handful of new ones now though!
Oliver Pett and his journey to becoming a professional maker. Paul Spooner for the laughs. Maria and Michael Start for a very interesting presentation. Lisa Slater for her very stunning pieces. Sarah Alexander for the history of CMT. Ivan Morgan for his tips on sounds. Tim Hunkin - a great story. Henrietta Boex - fascinating talk on Keith Newstead and the meaning of Gormenghast.
Paul Spooner, hilarious. Not a bad presentation all weekend.
I found them all equally enjoyable and could totally relate to why they do what they do weather it be for the personal challenge, educating the future generations or because they just can't help themselves ha ha.
All of them in their diversity of approaches, output and range of creativity I loved the historical aspects, the Cabaret history, the passion and beauty. Also the presenter MC's were charming and really added to the whole experience.
Oh, they were all good/very good but mostly I enjoyed Carlos Zapata (very personal experience),Teun de Wijs with refreshing style of speaking and Henrietta Boex comparing literature texts and how Keith implemented them in the Gormenghast masterpiece. The drawing gorilla was a wonderful non-automata experience which I made before I had to leave.
I loved them all, but particularly Teun de Wijs (which I did not expect to be interested in), Ivan Morgan, Oliver Pett, Kim Booth and Michael and Maria Start. I would usually abhor sitting and listening for two days, but I was transfixed for it all.
How many days did you spend in Hastings?
How was your experience of visiting Hastings?
Hastings was friendly and welcoming, was able to find restaurants that were independent and provided value for money. Partner who did not attend the event was able to explore Hastings in more detail and was able to find things to do and see to occupy her for three days. Accommodation (White Rock Hotel) was perfect for the venue.
First time in Hastings -- we nipped out mid afternoon for a sea swim and an ice cream. Lovely weather, easy to navigate.
There wasn’t much time to explore as I wasn’t going to miss any of the talks but everywhere I ate was lovely. Old town was enticing so if I come again I will make time to have a rummage in the vintage shops.
Enjoyed my first visit, would like to return
We had some lovely meals out in St Leonard's and visited the castle, caves and aquarium, which we enjoyed. We also enjoyed pottering around the old town. Stayed in an air BnB on the seafront.
LOVED it! What a great place!
The location was excellent for restaurants. There seems to be a lot of Turkish establishments; not a bad thing though. I lived in St Leonards many years ago and it's reputation as being a bit down at heal seems to prevail although, the OB is a good example of it's regeneration. Hastings is a no nonsense seaside resort.
Very nice. Plenty of restaurants. Very walkable and affordable.
Enjoyed sea swimming and loved the town itself, the architectural range and sunshine was stunning (I live in Scotland).
It's a beautiful town with so much to see.
I enjoyed visiting Hastings, reasonably easy to get to on the train via London and fine for spending a few days there
