Funding dismay over Anston festival

But the team behind Anston Day Festival say they are determined to push on despite losing out on cash help from the local parish council and suffering bad luck with a fundraising event.

The festival, which is set to be held on August 30, attracted around 3,000 people last year.

June Thomas, chairman of the Anston Day Festival Community Charity which is organising the event, said she was disappointed that Anston Parish Council had declined to offer a loan or grant for the event this year, although it had now offered use of the parish hall and field for free.

A race night event at a local pub, which was intended to bring in funds for the festival, also fell through at the last minute when new owners decided to refurbish the premises.

Mrs Thomas said the impact of the council’s decision not to offer funding had been significant.

She said: “It has had a massive effect.

“We as a community group have had to get together to raise £1,800 to £2,000 to present the festival.

“The council has, after a lot of negotiations, given us use of the field and the parish hall, so they have given us about £200 in a sense.

“We asked for a loan or grant, which was not forthcoming.

“They are saying they have got to save £10,000 this year but they are going ahead with the bonfire which will cost them £8,000.

“Most of the village do not go to the bonfire but the majority go to the festival.”

Mrs Thomas said she was determined that the festival will go on, adding: “We are looking for sponsorship. We are looking for anything that people have the good-heartedness to give us.”

Sponsorship has been found for specific events at the festival and the Leeds Arms in South Anston is holding four events to raise cash.

Cllr Clive Jepson, chairman of Anston Parish Council, said that the budget for 2015-16 had been decided by the previous administration and the current one had to stick to it.

He said that grants had been paid in the past and stressed that the council was supporting the festival by offering its facilities.

Mr Jepson said: “Unfortunately, funding for this year’s event was withdrawn by the previous parish council in January.

“The new parish pouncil is actively working with the organisers and has granted free use of the parish hall and the recreation ground so the event can still take place.”