Losing council funding would have been ‘disastrous’ for festival
Worcester City Council is proposing to give the festival £10,000 in 2026/27 – some £8,000 less than last year
Losing council funding would have been “disastrous” for Worcester Festival, its director has admitted.
Worcester City Council is proposing to give the festival £10,000 in 2026/27 – some £8,000 less than last year.
But director Chris Jaeger, who founded the festival in 2003, said the money would allow the event to go ahead.
“We had been led to believe there was a strong possibility we would receive no grant this year,” he told the council’s place and economic development committee on Monday (January 26).
“That would’ve been disastrous for us. But I do understand the pressures on the budget.
“I have come tonight to say a huge thank you to this committee for finding some money which will allow the festival to run this year.
“It’s hugely appreciated and we will try to give the city the best festival ever.”
Mr Jaeger said last year’s festival – the 23rd consecutive annual event – was the “most successful by far”.
“The stats were amazing – 1,175 events over 17 days, 75 percent of them free at the point of engagement,” he said.
“There were 196 different venues used and 220 partner organisations and individuals, and at least 150,000 saw or participated in an event.
“The festival is one of the largest in the midlands, one of the most established. An eclectic festival which can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Mr Jaeger said the festival is “planned and administered by just four people”, two of whom are freelancers currently working for free.
“It’s very hard to raise money to run the festival,” he said, “sponsorship has always been difficult in Worcester and grant-giving trusts are coming under increasing pressure, many of them swamped by applications.
“The Worcester Festival is not considered a ‘sexy’ charity, despite us emphasising the inclusivity of the festival and eclectic nature of it, the needs are less tangible than, say, the disabled sector.
“The city council has for a long time very generously supported the festival, but I do believe we have always given value for money.”
The council is also proposing to reduce the amount it gives Worcester Run by £4,000, its contribution to Worcester Mela by £3,750 and its funding of Worcester Communities Grants by £9,000.