First I would like to thank those who have supported Cambridge Summer Music Festival over the years. Whether you are new to our music or a long-time supporter, we are incredibly grateful to you. That support has meant so much to us. Now we are seeking to renew your belief in the Festival by asking you for a gift of £15, not merely to support more concerts, but – to be frank – to enable us to continue at all.
The simple fact is that if Cambridge Summer Music Festival does not raise £35,000 by 31st December, it will close. As someone actively involved in Cambridge community music for the past 47 years, and with Cambridge Summer Music for nearly half of them, I am determined that should not happen. Which is why I am seeking your help.
Like many other festivals CSMF, regardless of its unbroken record of fine music-making, has good financial years and then some that make a loss. For the past 35 years we have managed to survive the ups and downs, but this year our luck ran out. Our 2014 Festival attracted greater audience numbers than ever before – 3,000 more – but unfortunately this did not compensate for the shortfall in other kinds of funding. We have an accumulated deficit that cannot be ignored and have come to the end of the road.
£35,000 is a tall order, but not beyond our reach - for many organisations this kind of sum is petty cash. We firmly believe that raising this kind of sum is doable and that our many loyal supporters will want to help us. This appeal is being sent to 3,000 people – if each of these people gives just £15 we will raise our target and more, and have some kind of security for the future. I realise that not everyone will be in a position to help; equally, if you would like to donate a larger sum that will be hugely appreciated and help us to achieve our goal more quickly. Every eligible donation can attract gift aid (an additional 25%). We have set up a JustGiving page through which donations will be collected.
This is an unashamedly ‘up-front’ message, but the CSMF board feels that a candid approach now, setting out the bare facts, is the only way forward. If we do not raise the necessary money then the Festival will close, and along with it all our other activities – Music in Quiet Places, Spring Concerts, Music for Kids, etc; I am sure you will agree this would be a terrific loss.
I hardly need to tell you what a rich and varied feast of music we offer Cambridge and its surroundings through the year – but you may not have known how perilous our financial situation is. Please help to put us back on our feet so that we can go on providing great music for our community in the years to come. Donating via JustGiving is simple – just click on the button below, or alternatively send a cheque to Cambridge Summer Music at the address on our contact page.
I would be most grateful if you would share this message with any of your friends who wish to sustain music that is so vital to the cultural life of Cambridge.
Thank you.
Tim Brown
Chairman
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