The festival’s organisers are asking people to help support the free gigs in 2016 after Kirklees Council confirmed it would be unable to provide funding for next year’s festival due to budget cuts.
Over 70 free events took place at this year’s three-day festival in October including the Saturday street parade which featured two moving scrap metal sculptures along with dozens of amateur kazoo players and street band BLAST Furness.
Festival goers are being encouraged to adopt one of the free gigs at the 2016 festival for £50, either for themselves or as a Christmas gift for friends or relatives. You can also boost your donation to £62.50 with Gift Aid.
Local businesses are also being asked to show their support for the festival – a registered charity – by becoming an official sponsor. Everyone who makes a donation will receive an e-certificate and have their name printed in the 2016 festival programme.
Festival Producer Barney Stevenson said, “Our latest festival saw over 130 hours of live music take place in one weekend and we’re proud to showcase a wide range of jazz musicians from internationally-acclaimed artists to local school bands and rising talent.
“Kirklees Council has been a fantastic supporter of the festival over the years and provided £10,000 this year which we used towards the 70 free events that took place throughout the weekend.
“Unfortunately the council won’t be able to help fund the festival in 2016 and we’re asking festival goers to adopt a gig for just £50 to help us raise the funding we need for the free gigs.
“We think it’ll make a really great Christmas gift for people who enjoy coming to the festival every year and soaking up its unique atmosphere.”
Marsden Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016 and was named ‘Outstanding Established Festival’ at the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots Awards 2015.
More than 10,000 visitors make the trip by train, bus, car or narrow boat to Marsden every year, and more than 60 volunteers give up their time to help make the weekend a success.
The festival’s 26 venues include three outdoor stages, 13 pubs, clubs and bars, two cafes and one former cowshed.
More details on adopting a gig at the 2016 Marsden Jazz Festival are available at www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/adopt-a-gig
