Hebden Bridge Arts Festival - Open Evening postponed
Monday, 28 February 2011
Plans for this year’s Arts Festival have suffered a blow due to a lack of financial support from Arts Council England.
The Festival, a registered charity and voluntary organisation, had submitted a bid for just under £10,000 to the Grants for the Arts scheme, which has supported the event regularly in recent years. However, organisers have learned that this year’s application has not been successful.
“We’re obviously very disappointed”, said Festival Coordinator Rebecca Yorke. “Our application met all the criteria, but each year there is increased competition for funds, particularly from this area of Yorkshire. We are currently putting together a revised application and discussing ways of delivering the Festival on an even tighter budget than usual.”
The Open Evening due to be held this Wednesday 2 March, has been postponed until Wednesday 23 March to give Festival organisers time to contact performers and sponsors, revisit budgets and consider contingencies. “Thanks to prudent financial management, the support of Hebden Royd Town Council and that of our sponsors and advertisers, this year’s Festival will go ahead, although possibly not as we originally planned.” said Rebecca. “We recognise that these are difficult times for many and are not asking the public for donations. However, we would like to encourage those who enjoy the Festival to join our Friends Scheme, which costs just £10 a year”. Any businesses that would like to sponsor an event are also asked to get in touch.
Rebecca continued, “We would like to reassure all performers, venues and advertisers that we will keep them informed of any major developments and thank them all for their continued support. I’m sure everyone will appreciate that this is a very busy time for us and I would like to thank everyone involved for their understanding and patience while we plan for the future.”
The 2011 Festival is scheduled to run from Saturday June 25 to Sunday July 10. To keep in touch, visit the Festival website, email hbfestival@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook. For Friends scheme and sponsorship enquiries, contact Rebecca Yorke via hbfestival@gmail.com or on 01422 842546 (office hours only please).