About

Stir Events CIC is an award-winning, not-for-profit event organisation creating inclusive experiences that celebrate community, culture, heritage and place. We believe a successful event should do more than entertain—it should bring people together, support local enterprise and leave a positive legacy.

Stir Events CIC was founded to create high-quality, free and affordable events that bring communities together while increasing footfall and supporting local businesses and town centres. Led by Mandy Polkey, whose experience spans sales, marketing and economic development, Stir is guided by a committed volunteer steering group and supported by professional consultants and specialist suppliers when required. Creativity sits at the heart of our work: we take an idea from its earliest stages, carefully curate every element and combine imaginative thinking with professional planning to deliver memorable, well-managed community events.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We create welcoming events that bring people together, celebrate local identity and generate positive social and economic benefits for the places in which we work.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy community events. We aim to keep our events free or affordable wherever possible and consider accessibility, representation and different needs throughout the planning process

The strongest events are created through partnership. We work closely with councils, businesses, venues, charities, community groups, volunteers, traders and performers, valuing the experience and contribution each brings.

We love transforming an initial idea into a distinctive and memorable experience. From programming and entertainment to atmosphere and presentation, we bring imagination, energy and attention to detail to every event.

We are committed to delivering events responsibly. This means considering our environmental impact, supporting local suppliers and traders, using resources carefully and developing events that can remain financially viable and continue benefiting their communities.

Our events welcome many thousands of visitors and create opportunities for people to connect, participate and celebrate their communities. With the invaluable support of Rotary members, local residents and community volunteers, we deliver accessible experiences that might not otherwise be available. We actively encourage nearby high-street businesses to become involved and provide trading, promotional and partnership opportunities for independent businesses from both the local area and further afield. Through increased footfall, volunteering, fundraising and collaboration, our events generate lasting social and economic benefits for the communities in which they take place.