Leith Festival 2012 could be cancelled

Leith Festival have called off the 2012 festival unless locals rally behind the event to help with fundraising and developing the organisation.

The festival has become a local institution in the eight years it's been going, not only running the legendary gala day, which itself has a 100 year history, but also putting together a 10 day programme, as well as other projects throughout the year. 

A statement released this week by Leith Festival said: 

"Due to limited finances, the volunteer board have been forced to conclude that the 10 day community arts festival will have to be put on hold for 2012. We still hope to be able to put on the Leith Festival Gala Day on Saturday 9th June 2012, however it is unlikely that the Gala Day will go ahead without an injection of ideas, finance and local support.

"Since its inception the Gala Day has been the biggest annual public celebration of Leith’s vital spirit. In these difficult times, perhaps more than ever, we need to emulate Leith’s motto and ‘Persevere.’

"The board are committed to saving the Festival and continuing to serve the local community through its work. However we are now calling for the people of Leith to come to our aid, we need ideas and support, investment, sponsorship, donations of time,money and resources and most of all we need the people of Leith to help us save their local community arts festival."

A public meeting has been called to discuss the challenges facing the organisation to coincide with the Leith Festival AGM. It will take place at Leith Community Centre at 7.30pm on December the 7th. 

Comments

[Sybil Wieners]

Oh, that was sad. But hopefully next year will be fabulous! Let's work for it!