Virtual festival aims to help Bedford Esquires during pandemic
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A virtual festival is aiming to raise vital funds for venues, including Bedford Esquires.
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Katie Healy - one of the festival organisers - said: "Although the government has announced a deal to help grassroots venues, upon speaking to the owners, we found out that unfortunately this still wouldn’t cover a lot of staff who are really struggling financially and may not be able to continue within the industry."
She added: "This includes technicians, sound guys/girls, photographers, promoters, lighting assistants and more - the people behind the scenes that hold the live music industry together.
"We want it to be a festival celebrating successful local musicians who would have had independent live venues' backing."
The festival - together with Kelly Betts from BBC Introducing - has so far attracted the likes of have up-and-coming artists Alfie Templemen and Sam Girling with more to confirm.
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The target is to raise between £5,000-10,000 whichj will be shared between independent music venues in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire, including Bedford Esquires and The Craufurd Arms, in Wolverton, Milton Keynes.