We ask everyone coming to the gathering to read this consent and anti-oppression statement. This statement has been written by the AFF '25 organising and welfare crews to support all of us in co-creating a welcoming and inclusive space together.

On Oppression

We all have the capacity to enact oppressive behaviours, knowingly or unknowingly. We strive to create a space that invites all of us to be self aware and mindful, and to call each other in or (alternatively) act when necessary toward collective learning and liberation.

Anarcha Folk Festival Cymru aims to be a space where people can co-exist, collaborate and create beyond social hierarchy; or question hierarchies when they do come up. The festival welcomes people with different ideas, experiences, backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We ask that people listen to each other and show respect, and respond with good faith and curiosity when in disagreement.

Because we all experience the world differently and with a different set of privileges, our perspectives of "safety" may not always be the same. Because of this we propose the ideas of "brave spaces". By this we mean: entering the space trusting we all show up in good faith.

Coming in a spirit of 'brave spaces' means that we welcome being told when we, ourselves, might be acting in harmful ways, as well as encouraging others to speak up, and calling people in when they may be acting in harmful ways - be it strangers or friends - with honesty, assertiveness and kindness. This can develop and nurture meaningful solidarity between ourselves and others.

We think 'calling in’ can be more powerful than ‘calling out’, and that trying to approach a direct conversation first rather than resorting to public intervention as a first step can often bring us together. We wanna remind people to act against oppression in the spirit of comradeship and compassion. Let's do it because we care, and not for virtue signalling or policing each other (both alienating and counter-productive).

We understand this is not always possible (calling-in) and some situations cannot be dealt with one-on-one and call-outs exist for a reason. Whichever strategies are chosen for addressing harm, we hope we can all work together to support one another through the process with the understanding that we are working for a common aim.

That being said, we will not tolerate behaviours that are outwardly and knowingly oppressive (such as racism, classism, misogyny, transphobia, queerphobia, ableism, fatphobia, discrimination based on religious/spiritual background, and all the rest of systemic based violence). If a person wishes to continue acting in such ways after having been given to understand the harm of their words or actions, then we consider that maybe the AFF is not the space for them and we will act accordingly.

Be sound and lets take care of each other so we can continue to build another world together.

Consent & Boundaries

Everyone has different boundaries and it is likely that we probably don't know what they are! We strive to uphold a culture of consent where, instead of guessing or taking our own boundaries as the measure, we actively check in with those around us.

Avoid making assumptions about people based on appearance, be it disabilities, gender expression, class background, cultural heritage, legal status, and so on.

Let's all try to engage with each other in good faith, with respect and curiosity .

And most importantly: if someone does not feel up for sharing or interacting, accept a "no" and move on.

Sometimes behaviours that might be normal to some could feel invasive, harmful or triggering to others. These might include: hugging/touching; smoking/vaping near others; letting your dog interact with people; nudity; taking photographs of others, offering unsolicited advice, etc.

Always check in/ask people around you before acting.

Consent and intimacy

Always seek active consent. No means no.

Intoxication can sometimes lead to the blurring of boundaries - our own as well as other people's. With this in mind, it is (always but especially when intoxicated) important to seek for active enthusiastic consent . We encourage everyone both to become mindful for ourselves and to also to watch out for our buddies.

Consent and sobriety

Part of consent is also being aware that there may be people who do not use any intoxicating substances, or might be struggling to stay sober, who are often in the minority. Don't push substances or alcohol on to others and be mindful in front of who you bring them up/your interactions with others if you are intoxicated yourself.

Breakdown:

- Assumptions make an Ass out of U and if in doubt, ask.

- Accept a "no", be it within a conversation or any activity,

- Seek for active consent.

- If intoxicated, seek for enthusiastic active consent.

Let's all be responsible towards each other and do our part to ensure that all of us can feel welcomed and able to enjoy the gathering in ways we deem fit.

Welfare tent

If at any point you need some quiet time, or feel unwell physically or otherwise - be it feeling upset, overwhelmed, anxious, etc - there is a welfare team on hand with herbal, mental health and first aid experience to support you, as well as a chill space at the welfare tent.