In 2020, the global pandemic brought about the first ever cancellation of Marsden Jazz Festival (MJF) since it began in 1992. Whilst the Pennine village fell quiet last year, the festival organisers are doing all they can to fill the streets of Marsden with live music, excitement, and a sense of togetherness this year.
To help deliver their covid-safe live music festival they’re asking for the support of their loyal fans and audiences to help make that happen. Their Crowdfunding campaign aims to raise £10,000 which will support the festival to return with all of the fun and celebration that visitors have come to love over the years, whilst ensuring audiences feel safe and happy, with covid-safe measures in place.
Barney Stevenson, artistic director said: "By moving many of our gigs outdoors, we are transforming the festival into a fantastic, safe, high-quality live music experience that continues our tradition of diversity and inclusion and still feels like Marsden Jazz Festival.
"With your support, we can make these plans a reality. We can't wait to welcome you all back to Marsden this October."
With the thought that ‘simpler is safer’ in mind, the festival is planning to take most of its artistic activity outdoors including a headline outdoor stage on Peel Street, a youth stage on the Bandstand in the park, a delicious street food alley and the market in the park. Where activities are planned indoors they will be large venues where social distancing can be implemented alongside one way systems and with total clean down between gigs.
Full details will be released mid-August when all fundraising is completed and that’s why the festival is asking for support now from it’s audiences and supporters.
Every gift that donors can offer, whether £5 or £5,000, will help secure the festival’s ecstatic return this year. All gifts pledged to their Crowdfunder will go directly towards the very best world-class musical talent, immersive exhibitions, and providing opportunities for emerging, under-represented and young artists.
Legendary Trombone player, Dennis Rollins MBE has pledged his support for the festival with a video which can be seen on MJF’s YouTube Channel - he has said,
“Festivals have had a really tough time during the Covid crisis and it’s really tough for them to survive, so this is where we need your help. Please donate as much or as little as you can and help us deliver a Marsden Jazz Festival with a bang.”
“It’s a real pleasure to play at this festival - I’ve been playing there for over 15 years and I hope I’m going to be there for another 15 along with a fabulous team, delivering the most incredible jazz music this country produces!”
Show your support to Marsden Jazz Festival and visit the Crowdfunding website: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-bring-marsden-jazz-festival-back-in-2021
