FESTIVAL bosses are blown away after thousands of pounds were raised in a matter of hours to ensure the return of a full-scale event.
Uncertainty shrouded the upcoming Another Fine Fest event in Ulverston as thousands of pounds were still left to be raised to guarantee the festival could return in its full force.
The festival is an independently produced event with zero guaranteed funding from year to year, relying on the generosity of donators to help pay for Another Fine Fest’s total costs.
After a last-minute appeal for public support more than £6k was raised for the hugely-popular annual event within 24 hours.
This means the streets of Ulverston will once again erupt in a multicoloured feast of live music, DJs, circus, street theatre, live street art, window painting, yarnbombing, stand-up comedy, spoken word, interactive workshops and a carnival parade as well as a cornucopia of various other weird and wonderful activity.
The event typically sees thousands of people descend upon Ulverston each year to enjoy an array of festivities.
The eighth instalment of the free multi-arts festival will be held on June 17 and June 18.
Festival director Dave Crossley said the public had made the team ‘unbelievably proud’ following the influx of donations.
He said: “Feeling very emotional and properly feeling the love so much right now. Got a tear in my eye at the overwhelming support this festival continues to receive from so many of you beautiful people. I properly cannot encapsulate how grateful I am, how lucky I feel and how much I love you all.
“Truly appreciate with every piece of me, how much faith you place in us. We promise we won't let you down.
“You guys have done us so unbelievably proud - we are well on the way to doubling the amount of people donating to the cause and we are so utterly grateful for each and every amount no matter what size.
“We are buzzing that the message is getting through that small is just as beautiful on the pledge front. Amazing things truly happen when loads of us come together."
Dave said the team is still allowed to keep accepting donations through the campaign page if anyone missed the window to give what they can.
He said: “We are still waiting on responses from some grant applications but have no idea if they will be successful or how we will fare when courting business support, so any extra will really take the pressure off.
“And if any local business would like to sponsor us or advertise in our official programme then please get in touch.
“It is so exciting to now be able to confirm a multitude of amazing acts and artists and make sure everyone involved gets paid properly. We also have some exciting projects lined up working with the community and offering workshops via various support services such as MIND. We want to make sure that our festival is fully inclusive and that every single person is made welcome. We want to help teach new skills as well as entertain and bring folks together from all backgrounds to celebrate as one.”
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