LAUNCH: WhaleFest 2012 goes global!

Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton, UK. Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th October 2012

In 2011, Planet Whale organised Europe’s largest Whale Festival. Loved by visitors and hailed as a huge success, over 2,500 people from 15 countries celebrated their passion for wild whales and dolphins.

"In 2012, WhaleFest not only remains in Brighton, UK, but is bigger, game-changing, and on a date with history."

Ian Rowlands, Co-Founder, Planet Whale

Thirty years ago, in 1982, 39 government delegates of the International Whaling Commission met in Brighton and voted to suspend the worldwide hunting of whales. It was, and still is, the biggest ever victory for whale conservation. This year WhaleFest will be at the very building where that momentous vote was taken - the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

This stunning seafront location is one of the largest conference and expo hotels in the UK, and WhaleFest 2012 will be the largest event of its kind anywhere on Earth.

We will celebrate this date - the culmination of the ‘Save the Whale’ campaigns of the 1970’s and 80's - but also remind millions worldwide that we must change for good the way we view whales and dolphins, and the oceans they inhabit.

Yes, since the ban many populations of the largest whales have begun to recover, and more people now go to see whales in the wild than ever before. Whale watching connects 13 million people every year with whales and dolphins in over 120 countries, creating an army of passionate advocates.

Yet despite this, thousands of whales and dolphins are still hunted by a small group of countries that oppose the whaling ban. In addition, hundreds of thousands are caught and drown in fishing nets, and millions are affected by pollution, over fishing, habitat loss and climate change. Since the ban, the Yangtze River Dolphin has become extinct, and nine of the remaining 87 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise remain endangered or critically endangered.

So, on this important anniversary Planet Whale joins together in partnership with all who work with, and for, wild whales and dolphins across the world. A ‘Whale Week’ when we celebrate, reach out, and take action.

Thurs 25th - Fri 26th October 2012 World Whale Conference

The largest gathering of whale and dolphin charities ever – there are 200+ in the world - and the formation of a powerful new global partnership to set targets, to address the major threats to cetaceans, and to launch a new worldwide campaign that encompasses every participant’s goals.

Thurs 25th - Fri 26th October 2012 World Whale & Dolphin Watch Operators Conference

The world’s whale and dolphin watch operators will gather to discuss a strategy for the sustainable and commercial development of whale watching that will inspire millions more people to care about the oceans. They will also celebrate their best achievements through a prestigious new awards ceremony. Read more about the WWC

Sat 27th - Sun 28th October 2012 WhaleFest

The largest celebration of wild whales and dolphins there has ever been, reaching out to the public, the world’s press, businesses, people passionate about cetaceans, celebrities, you, me, your gym instructor, everyone!

Packed with life-sized whales, virtual whale watch trips, fun family activities, celebrity speakers, careers workshops, plus exhibiting whale and dolphin trip operators and charities from across the globe, WhaleFest takes a new campaign to the whole world and inspires us all.

And it’s unbelievable fun . . .

• Never seen a whale or dolphin before? Get splashed on our talked-about virtual whale watching trips, or take an inspirational guided tour around our life-sized whales.

• Just fancy a day out with the family? Climb inside the world of a whale’s insides, take part in ton of activities, get involved in whale and dolphins crafts, and check out amazing films.

• Love whales and want to get more involved? Learn more with workshops on everything from, career opportunities and sustainable fish eating, to whale origami and more!

• Need advice on whale watching? Planet Whale can give you lots of invaluable, public-rated independent advice before you check out the biggest selection of exhibitors on earth.

• Want to support whale and dolphin conservation? Learn about the world’s leading campaigns and talk face-to-face with the people who run them.

• Rather just chill out with whales? Go to more top-class presentations by world-leading experts than you imagined possible under one roof!

There’s more . . .

During the build up to WhaleFest Brighton will play host to life-sized whale exhibits, there will be schools visits and involvement of the local community

What you said about WhaleFest 2011

“What an amazing success that was, Ian - due to your hardwork, and Dylan's. Thanks for making it such a grand experience. Putting all those like minds together was inspired. It will have created whole new webs of influence and ideas... I think it was an important occasion, and I look forward to it being even bigger and better (if that's possible) next year.”

Philip Hoare, award-winning author of Leviathan, and Clash of the Titans speaker

“Just a short email to thank you for the brilliant event WhaleFest. I attended both days with my son and we both had a very good time .The number and topics of the talks and workshops were very good and informative, At times I wished I could have split myself in half to attend two things at once.
The stalls also were very good and gave me lots of ideas for suitable places to go whale watching both near and far. Thank you again to all your staff for organising such I wonderful event and I cannot wait for next year s event. I also want to be off now to go whale spotting to some of the wonderful locations. Thank you."

Jane Baldwin, member of the public

“I usually hate that word ‘awesome’ but it’s the only phrase I thought you’d all recognise and understand - for me to use the word about anything is truly awesome in itself! The weekend was a great success and a lot of fun for all, including us stallholders!
Our amazement at the level of interest was only outdone by our admiration for the amount of work that you all had put in before the event and the slick organisation on the day. Not to put too fine a point on it, the WhaleFest volunteers were ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! I’m welling up! Upwards and onwards!"

Stephen Marsh, BDMLR Operations Manager, running the whale refloatation courses in the Great Hall

INTRO

WHALEFEST 2012

WORLD WHALE CONFERENCE

WHALE WATCH OPERATORS CONFERENCE

WHALEFEST 2011

TICKETS