Organizers for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Revelry festival provided unofficial details about the event Wednesday when they received preliminary approval for a permit to close Randall Avenue for the May 4 event.
Sarah Mathews and Josh Levin, representatives from the Revelry Executive Committee, and Perry Blanchard, production manager at Frank Productions, spoke to the City of Madison Street Use Staff Commission about unofficial plans for the event, saying the goal is to create an event focused on a cultural immersion in music and the arts.
Mathews said it is meant to be a respectful, inclusive and responsible event to celebrate the end of the year.
She said the event is targeted at UW-Madison students, though planners are considering an option to allow other guests. Additionally, the committee is currently planning for between 3000 to 4000 attendees, a decrease from the original goal of approximately 7000, according to Mathews.
Levin said the primary stage is planned for Union South Plaza, which will showcase five to six national bands, with two smaller stages for regional talent and DJs, though the map is unofficial. This is a change from the previous proposal to have a second large stage in Engineering Mall.
Levin said the committee made the changes to create a more accessible, annual event.
Additional entertainment options could include a film viewing area, art installments, a dunk tank and vendors on Engineering Mall.
Revelry representatives said they are still unsure of how tickets will be purchased, as well as which acts will be performing. However, Levin said the process is going well.
Representatives also asked the commission about using Randall Avenue, which would serve as the main entrance for the event.
Members of the SUSC, which grants permission to close city streets, said they will likely give Revelry permission to close the street, but want additional information first.
Madison Police Department Lt. David McCaw said he was concerned about the event’s security and communications plans because “resources will be strapped” on the day of the event, the same day as the Mifflin Street Block Party.
However, Levin said the committee was pleased with the outcome of the meeting, saying the commission's response was more positive than expected.
