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DON’T PANIC is a guiding principle from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy”, meaning that in the face of the chaotic universe, one should remain calm. It serves as a piece of advice for the interstellar traveller, encouraging a sense of humour and a lack of anxiety about the often bewildering, and seemingly insurmountable, challenges of life.“Douglas Adams’ genius was in using comedy to make serious points about the world” The Independent
The first radio play/book in the series was written in Stalbridge, North Dorset and the DON’T PANIC FESTIVAL, is scheduled for the 25th of May 2026 [International Towel Day*].
It aims to celebrate Adams’ phenomenal contribution to literature, by focussing on some key themes from his books namely: the destruction of the natural environment; the importance of staying informed, human anxiety and our often perceived lack of agency.
He was a true pioneer whose work transcended writing to encompass science fiction, comedy, technology, and environmental activism. He delved into profound questions about life, the universe, and humanity's role on Earth. He has been described as The Man Who Imagined Our Future [Sky Arts documentary. March 20/2025. Dir: Todd Atkins]
Adams' forward-thinking ideas still resonate powerfully; he campaigned for endangered species and anticipated the urgency of climate change. His philosophy, which explored parallel dimensions and artificial intelligence, remains meaningful and visionary today, reflecting a deep concern for our planet and a belief in the potential for positive outcomes. He showed us the power of creative communication and collective action to exact real change, save species, and reverse our negative impact upon the earth below our feet, through his collaboration with Zoologist, Mark Carwardine, on the book, radio show and subsequent documentaries ‘Last Chance to See’.[ISBN: 978-0-099-53679-6]
This event has already attracted high profile interest, with environmental activist and author of ‘How to fall in Love with the Future’, Rob Hopkins, booked to appear in his spacecraft from 2030, to report from an Earth that we have all, collectively saved! A pioneer in sustainability and community-driven change, Hopkins believes that the future isn’t something we stumble upon, it’s something we actively create., he is a foremost speaker on environmental issues and climate fear. Had they met they would no doubt have got on like a planet on fire…. [ISBN: 9781915294517] www.robhopkins.net
Things so far in the pipeline are:
- A “Storying Stalbridge” project to bring about a ‘zine’, featuring articles about Douglas/HGTTG, alongside myths legends and histories of the town and its people, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of creative writers. Distributed in five monthly editions from January to May, by hand, around town [in order to reach all residents, particularly those living alone or in digital isolation] it will be published in association with the local primary school. You will also be able to subscribe to the e-zine via a QR code [more information below**]
Then for the 25th of May 2026 from 1pm:
- A lunchtime fancy dress parade up Grove Lane to where:
- A Heritage England Blue Plaque will be unveiled at Lytten Cottage where Adams wrote
Then on up to the town Rec, where the afternoon’s activities will include:
- A music event [that will end at teatime as it is a work night] featuring local musicians and performers
- Environmental information and organisation stalls with opportunities to join in and get involved
- Rob Hopkins’ appearance from the future
- A science and innovation tent with competitions for all age groups focussing on sustainability and resilience
- The launch of a yearly creative writing competition in Douglas’ name
- A story telling area for the storytellers who work with the zine or with www.storystock.co.uk on the day
- An installation showing the results of residents getting involved in visioning a future with Town Anywhere www.linktr.ee/townanywhere
- The unveiling of the HGTTG stained glass panel by festival artist in residence Patrick Malloy
- An abridged response to HGTTG will be performed by the Stalbridge Players
- The announcement of the winner of the ‘Build a recycled spacecraft, alien or android in your front garden’ competition
- The award of the fancy dress winner prizes
- Local artisan and food and drink stalls
- Stalbridge kids’ rootsnshoots group performance www.rootsnshoots.org.uk
- Traditional skill, craft and community interest group stalls
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN MARCH SO FOLLOW US TO KEEP IN THE LOOP
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Event Venue
Stalbridge Rec 1–99 Park Grove Stalbridge Sturminster Newton DT10 England, 1 Park Grove, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2RA, United Kingdom, Sherborne
Tickets
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