New Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival off to a flying start
The new “Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival” group got off to a flying start with just under £4000 raised in first week of operation by thanks to generosity of new members and donors.
The new organisation was launched on 31 January to the several hundred supporters who had contacted Diane Lyle to register their interest to help continue a festival in Ludlow.
The Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival aims to build an easily accessible fund that local organisations can use to help create a diverse and vibrant festival that is inclusive of the local community, especially children and young people. The committee hopes that funds raised can help support youth clubs, Scouts, Brownies, schools or colleges to get more involved with the festival and really be part of it.
Diane Lyle, Chair-lady of the new Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic! I have been bowled over by the generosity of our supporters. We had absolutely no idea if people would want to join a new “Friends” so soon. We felt that many people would, understandably, want to wait and see how the Festival goes this year before making any decisions. To be in the position to be able to actually announce a funding pot for the community later this month is just incredible. “
“And, I must add because people always ask me, no money will go to the organisers of the castle events! They have been brilliant. They are very supportive of the concept of the new Friends and very keen to make sure the community feels ownership of the Festival but do not want and will not get any of the funds raised by the Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival.”
The committee of the Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival are working very closely with the new organisers of the main events in the castle to ensure that the Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival continue to get the perks of being a supporter. Membership of the new Friends includes: early bird booking opportunities, discounts on selected tickets, ‘meet the cast’ opportunities and access to a VIP area in the grounds.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, so it’s a great to become a Friend of Ludlow Arts Festival and help support the local community as well. The new Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival is only £20 per household and people can join online at www.friendsofludlowartsfestival.org.uk/.
