THERE are two months to go until Another Fine Fest returns to the streets of Ulverston, and organisers are calling on the public to help make it a success.

The celebration of music, arts and family fun takes place on Saturday June 17, and for the first time, it spills over into the Sunday with a street party and live comedy.

Although the whole programme of events over the two days is free, the festival relies on the goodwill of those who attend, with the size and scale of the event relying on crowdfunding donations.

Organiser Dave Crossley says: " It is our four th year and hopefully our biggest yet as we are planning to expand and offer yet more free entertainment, this time spanning over two days for the first time whilst adding more stages, acts, workshops and show s to our programme of events.

"We currently have just two weeks of our crowdfunding campaign and we are a little way off our target amount, so all donations would be most appreciated so that we are able to achieve all of this year’s goals.

"If everyone that attended last year were to donate just one pound then we would easily smash our target."

A crowdfunding campaign is running on Indiegogo until the start of May, with the aim of raising £3,000 towards the running of Another Fine Fest.

Rewards for pledging range from a simple thanks, to specially-designed bowler hats, the chance to perform in a band or a DJ set, or free entry to all the Planet Mirth and Friday Night Live comedy events for life.

"In our budgeting plans, we told the Arts Council that crowdfunding had been successful for us in our first three years and that we would use it again this year as one of our sources of income," adds Dave.

"It is important that we reach our target so that we q ualify for the Arts Council grant which requires that we match a percentage of their funding.

"The Arts Council grant application states that the more funding you are able to generate from alternative sources, the bigger the likelihood of receiving funding from them which is why we need the public's support."

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With the support of the Arts Council, Ulverston BID, and eight partner venues across Ulverston, in addition to the general public's crowdfunding contribution, the plans for 2017 will offer 11 stages of free entertainment, including live music, DJs, stand-up comedy, circus, magic, street theatre, a busking zone and various interactive workshops.

English comedian of the Year, Josh Pugh, has confirmed his appearance at the event, with the acclaimed Lancaster-based Atomic Brass and a host of names, such as Deatbeats, Bingo Harry, Sling and Valparaíso confirmed for the Dingo Barracks stage .

Street entertainment will again include Matrix Circus hosting circus skills workshops for all ages, and Gary Bridgens performing live theatre and hosting ukulele workshops, and in the run-up to the event, Becki Fishwick’s Be.Vocal classes are offering the chance to perform at the festival .

Another first sees the festival celebrations begin early - renowned Canadian comedian Tony Law will be in town to perform a headline set to kick things off on Friday June 16. This show at the Laurel and Hardy Museum is the only ticketed event of the weekend, and VIP tickets are also among the rewards for pledging to the crowdfunding campaign.

More information about the Another Fine Fest programme will be released in the coming weeks, and to pledge towards the campaign, visit the www.indiegogo.com page