Ryedale arts festival faces an 80% cut in funding (From York Press)

Ryedale arts festival faces an 80% cut in funding

12:59pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Ryedale news By David Jeffels

RYEDALE’S prestigious arts festival has been dealt a blow after the district council announced plans to slash its grant funding by 80 per cent.

However, the organisers of the two-week long event say they are determined it will continue and be a success.

The decision to axe the grant from £25,000 to just £5,000 was recommended by the authority’s policy and resources committee last Thursday, despite pleas that it would have a big impact on the festival which is estimated to be worth at least £1 million to the district’s economy.

Robin Andrews, chairman of the long-running festival, which costs £250,000 to stage, said: “It is a setback and a big shock but we have to be realistic because we know the council is having to make budget cuts.”

Organisers say this year’s event, held during the second two weeks of July, is set to be the biggest programme ever.

Mr Andrews said: “It will be a hugely ambitious festival but one which we feel will have a wide appeal and be of enormous benefit to Ryedale in terms of attracting people to stay in the hotels and use the shops, attractions and restaurants.”

The organisers are now seeking to make up the shortage of money by asking local businesses and organisations to help.

Mr Andrews said: “We are already committed to this year’s programme. We have invested money in marketing to attract even more people to attend the events.”

Coun Edward Legard, a member of the festival board who led the opposition against the cut, said it had made losses for the past two years. He tried unsuccessfully to have the cut reduced from 80 per cent to 40 per cent, adding that an 80 per cent cut was “manifestly unfair”.

“We are pulling the rug from under the festival’s feet,” Coun Legard said. “It is a cultural flagship that brings Ryedale national and international recognition.”

A final decision on the funding will be made at the full meeting of the council on February 20.