Brampton Live will continue as Carlisle council promises funding
Last updated 09:59, Friday, 19 September 2008
Brampton Live folk and roots festival appears to have a secure future, for the next two years at least.
The 2009 event had been in doubt because cash-strapped Carlisle City Council was planning to phase out funding.
But the council has confirmed the festival will get the £15,000 it received this year in 2009 and 2010.
Management of the event will move from the council to a new company, Brampton Live Festival, set up by Ken and Sue Bradburn who started Brampton Live in 1995.
Council leader Mike Mitchelson said: “Brampton Live is well established and it is important we do everything to make it bigger and better.
“By working with the new company we can ensure it develops and grows.
“We will continue to support it by whatever means we can but feel that it is time for the organisation of the event to be transferred.
“There is real potential to access funding streams that are no longer available to the city council.”
Brampton Live is staged at the town’s William Howard School each July.
It has grown to become the biggest folk/roots music festival in the north of England.
More than 1,300 people signed an on-line petition to save it when the proposed council funding cuts appeared to threaten its future.
Signatories included stars Billy Bragg and Eddi Reader.
Mr Mitchelson has responded to comments from the council’s arts development manager, Mick North, who is being made redundant.
In an email to colleagues, Mr North, who has been heavily involved in Brampton Live, questioned the council’s commitment to the arts.
But Mr Mitchelson said Mr North’s job was going because of a change in the way the Arts Council distributes its cash.
Instead of channelling it through the council, arts organisations must now apply directly for grants.
Once again another short-sighted Council failing to recognise the important role arts plays in society, quality of life and regeneration - despite every piece of research recognising the increasing importance of the arts in people's and city's lives. Do they want Carlisle to be a dark gloomy place with nothing to offer to anyone? Shame on you Carlisle City Council.
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I would like very much to know Mr Mick North, Is he a singer,proformer?. My dear family eas fron there. THE BLAYLOCK CLOCKMakers, thet are laid to rest near there. I would love to visit. Thank you
Sandra K,YatesPosted by Sandra K Yates on 20 September 2008 kl. 05:58