Robertson (2016, p21) “spatial planning has become increasingly connected to the idea of urban resilience, i.e. planning to ensure a city is able to respond and recover from unexpected change. While the concept of urban resilience can be seen to have its roots in ecological systems research, i.e.
the notion of how to make the ecological environment resilient and adaptable to change, it
has grown to include social and economic systems (Desouza & Flanery, 2013; Jabareen,
2013) of which festivals and events are elements.
Accordingly there is agreement in the literature looking at urban resilience that a holistic approach to city design, planning and managing for resilience must not only look at the physical environment but also evaluate and interact with cultural and process dynamics (Desouza & Flanery, 2013). Common through the discussion in looking at urban resilience is a focus on the involvement of communities, i.e. as active citizens. Cultural and sport activity are important components of interaction to facilitate the building and belief in citizenship.”

Further, referring to Widerhold (2013) Robertson (2016, p21) reflects “on the potential of local arts festivals in cities to be learning demonstrations of civic engagement. This importance is not restricted to cities. Community festivals can also be important focus to establish and grow rural community resilience (Derret, 2009). Gibson and Connell (2015) offer an excellent example of how community
festivals and events in a time of extreme droughts and environmental hardship helped the
community of rural Australia to adapt and become resilient to change, and to increase bonds
of citizenship.”