Socio-cultural impacts of events

For host communities, events can be sources of pride, connection and identity, but also of tension, exclusion and disruption. This chapter examines the socio-cultural impacts of events, considering both their positive and negative effects across short- and long-term timeframes. It discusses the challenges involved in measuring these impacts and explores how concepts such as social capital can help explain the relationship between events and communities. The chapter also considers community perceptions, inclusion and the contested meanings of events, before outlining strategies for maximising socio-cultural benefits and minimising adverse effects.