The Guidelines were developed in response to the rapid growth in the number of individuals, groups and organisations that organise arts events with older people at local, regional and national level, and the diversity of backgrounds from which they come. The rapid increase in numbers can be seen in the figures for Bealtaine Festival events over the last few years. In 2001, the festival consisted of 260 events in 22 counties. By 2003, this had risen to over 575 events in 26 counties; in 2005 there were over 800 events, and the upward trend continues in 2006 with some 1000 events. The organisers of these events have come to the festival by different pathways, bringing different motivations, perspectives and skills.