A leader in grassroots community events, The Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival has set up a GoFundMe page ahead of their annual fundraiser to help cover the costs for last years major event.
This not-for-profit and entirely volunteer run show stages over 400 performances across the four days, and it’s visiting artists’ accommodation that has been the most incurred cost for the festival. This, partnered with some under-attended ticketed shows has left the organisers $18k in financial strain.
“Last year was a watershed year for our festival, which attracted a record 17,000 concert-goers to the city and gave the region’s economy a $3.4 million boost over its four-day program in November,” said BBRMF Festival Director Colin Thompson.
“While we do our best to deliver a world-class event on a frugal budget by reducing costs through sponsorships, grants, in-kind donations and volunteer support, some expenditures are unpredictable and unavoidable.
“In particular, our festival’s biggest expense has been artist accommodation. While we are investigating innovative ways to combat this dilemma, including seeking new corporate sponsors and creating partnerships within the tourism and accommodation sector, this year we need the community’s support to get back on track ahead of our first paid events in February.”
Mr Thompson said the festival was confident of reaching its goal, with any excess funds to be reinvested into the community-run event.
“The Bendigo community is a generous one and we know our festival is close to many people’s hearts, so we ask the public to jump online and donate what they can – even $10 can make a positive impact.
“We have ambitious plans for the festival’s future and want to safeguard its quality, culture, inclusiveness and accessibility for many years to come.”
Head to the page to help out however you can, it’s festivals like this that are keeping the regional music scene alive.
Their fundraiser for Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival 2017 will be held at The Rifle Hotel, Bendigo on Sunday February 19
