Sea Change Festival cancel 2021 event, launch emergency crowdfunder

Sea Change Festival cancel 2021 event, launch emergency crowdfunder

Posted on: 23 Oct 2020

The much-loved South Devon festival was deemed ineligible for the government's Cultural Recovery Fund.

 

The team behind the popular Sea Change Festival have announced the cancellation of their 2021 event, citing the impact of the coronavirus crisis and an unsuccessful application for financial support from the government.

 

With their main event postponed and replaced by a virtual festival back in May, the Sea Change team were hoping to receive emergency funding as part of the UK's £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund.

 

Having had their application rejected, Sea Change have today (Friday 23 October) launched an emergency crowdfunding campaign to ensure they're able to relaunch in the future.

 

 

A proudly independent event, Sea Change have welcomed thousands of fans to the South West over the years, showcasing some of the very best musicians the UK has to offer in an intimate natural setting.

 

From Andrew Weatherall to Aldous Harding, Shirley Collins, Black Midi and many, many more, the festival's forward-thinking lineups have earned it a stellar reputation among first-timers and regulars alike.

 

This year, with their full event on hold due to the coronavirus crisis, Sea Change hosted a virtual festival featuring performances from The Orielles and The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess.

 

The three-day online event was lauded by Guardian contributor Laura Barton, who described it as "a triumph" in a glowing five-star review.

 

 

Despite a positive response to their debut virtual festival, however, Sea Change were overlooked by the government in their allocation of Cultural Recovery Fund support, putting them in a precarious position going forward.

 

Following their announcement last week that they had been forced to cancel Sea Change 2021, the team have now launched a crowdfunding campaign with an aim to raise £25,000 to clear immediate debts and work towards a potential return in 2022.

 

Contributors to the crowdfunder will be entered into a series of competition to win exclusive prizes from artists and labels, including artwork, special releases, test pressings and more.

 

Speaking on the launch of the crowdfunder, Sea Change founder, Rupert Morrison, said: “While already faced with the challenge of planning an event in such concerning times, last week’s news of our unsuccessful funding application left us floored.

 

"While we are certainly not criticising the Arts Council England and the awards that were granted, we remain convinced of the artistic merit of the festival and its suitability for funding.

 

“Since we heard about our unsuccessful funding application, we have been really blown away by the kindness of strangers and friends alike. We would like to thank everybody for their support and encouragement.

 

"We are phenomenally proud of our work over the last five years and everybody’s kindness has left us firm in the belief that we’ve created something good."

 

For more information, or to follow news and updates on the future of Sea Change Festival, head to their website, visit their crowdfunding page or follow them on Facebook.

Read more:

 

Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.