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Overground Festival appeals to locals to keep it free

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The Crystal Palace Overground Festival is turning to local residents in a plea for support to ensure this year’s festival remains largely free of charge.

The Overground Festival in Crystal Palace – free fun for all, but only thanks to generous local sponsors and local donors

The festival has previously received funding from a number of sources including the Arts Council, but with grant-giving bodies seeing their budgets slashed, events like the festival are facing shortfalls in funding.

“Last year over 6,000 people came to the event, most of which is totally free of charge – this is a key value of the festival as we want it to be accessible to all no matter what,” said Noreen Meehan the festival director. “There was music, art, theatre, comedy, a vintage event, great activities for kids and families – people from all walks of life came and had a great time.

“This year we want to make the festival even better, but without this funding there’s just no way we can do it. The festival team are working hard to raise funding from sponsorship, advertising, stall fees, bar income, ticket income, listings fee and merchandise and these activities will raise around £30,000 from our wonderful local businesses and fundraising by the team.

“We need to raise a further £19,000 and are asking local people to make a donation. It doesn’t have to be a lot. For example, if 121 people give £20 that will cover the cost of the main stage. Or 117 people giving £15 will ensure we have toilets. Both very important parts of the festival of course.”

The festival, which will take place June 24 to 28, is proud of its role in celebrating the spirit of the Crystal Palace community, as well as drawing in a diverse audience from further afield.

Anyone wishing to donate to the festival can do so via the festival’s website – crystalpalacefestival.org


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