Crowds enjoying the Fuse Festival

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to ensure a Lichfield music event can go ahead as planned.

Crowds enjoying the Fuse Festival
Crowds enjoying the Fuse Festival

Organisers of the Fuse Festival say a reduction in funding means it now needs to raise £10,000 to cover costs and ensure the event – which runs from July 13 to 15 in Beacon Park – can feature all of the activities due to take place.

The online fundraising page has already reached £1,800 with organisers Phil and Pam Beale explaining that the decision to appeal to the public was necessary.

They said: “Because Fuse is free we get no ticket revenue to help pay for it.  Also, we don’t receive funding from the local councils. Hence we rely on, amongst other things, grant income – and that’s the problem, because this year our grant income has shrunk considerably.

“We have managed to increase other forms of income – including from our fabulous sponsors, donors and traders –  but we’re still £10,000 short.

“Fuse will go ahead this year regardless, but we need to fill this funding gap if we’re to deliver all we have planned and cover our costs – and so avoid financial risk for our parent organisation, the charity Lichfield Arts.”

They are now urging locals to “light the Fuse” by pledging whatever they can to the funding campaign.

The 2018 festival will feature music by the likes of Tankus The Henge, Scott Doonican, Skaciety, The Undercover Hippy, White Eskimo, Jeramiah Ferrari, Sugarthief, Cantaloop, Lady Sanity, Ryders Creed, The Orange Circus Band, Wildfire Folk and Blast Off.

There will also be workshops in beatboxing, storytelling, drumming, instrument-making and poetry.

Phil and Pam said: “It’s not just another music or arts festival.

“In line with our charitable aims it’s an event that makes a difference to people’s lives – engaging them in quality arts and music, giving performers a platform, encouraging volunteering and building a sense of community locally.

“It’s been going for 17 years and is now part of the fabric of the Lichfield district.”

People can make a donation via the Fuse Festival’s online fundraising page.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.