Thursday, 24th March 2016
Organisers of The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival are looking for sponsors to support this 27th event.
The Festival was under threat due to the reduction in Government funding to Pendle Council and consequently to Pendle Leisure Trust. However, the Council has now set aside funds so that this year’s Festival can go ahead and Pendle Leisure Trust will organise it on the Council’s behalf.
Now organisers are looking for support from local businesses or company owners with a love of music, to offer financial backing to make sure the Festival is successful this year.
The Trust’s Chief Executive, Phil Storey, said: “We saw the huge amount of support given to the Festival with people expressing their views through various social media channels and petitions. And while I’m sure this has helped this year, people need to understand the event will be back up for review next year, unless it can be made financially viable. If the people of Pendle support it, hopefully it will be spared in the future.”
The Festival draws in thousands of music-lovers from all over the world, along with many more Pendle locals, and this year, organisers want the locals and businesses to capture the global appeal of their town’s Blues Festival by getting involved and enjoying the atmosphere of the four day event over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
As well as the International Stage and the British Stage, there will again be five official roadhouses for 2016 - Colne Legion, Colne and Nelson RUFC, The Admiral Lord Rodney, The Crown Hotel and The Little Acoustic Stage at The Little Theatre.
Festival spokesperson, Sue Madigan, said: “It will only cost £10 or less to listen to some of the best rhythm and blues musicians in the country at seven stages for four days, which is not a lot for locals to show their support for the Festival.
“For those people not really into this kind of music, but who still want to enjoy the atmosphere and support this local treasure, they can do it for as little as £1 with a Roadhouse Wristband.
“I don’t think some people realise just how amazing it is to have an event like this right on their doorstep. People travel from all ends of the country, from Europe and even America for this!
“Please put your hand in your pocket to support this Festival – or it could be the last one!”