Earlier this month, new independent music and arts festival, Samphire, launched a campaign on Crowdfunder UK. Within a matter of days, the project surpassed its initial goal and has been dubbed the fastest ever successfully funded festival on the crowdfunding platform.
The event organizers, Flora Blathwayt and Josh Beauchamp, noted that after seeing other festivals struggle financially over their first couple of years, they decided to go with a “less risky” strategy by using the crowdfunding method. This would enable the duo to create a community of backers invested in making it happen, instead of relying on a few, potentially less engaged, significant funders. In return, the ‘crowd’ receives rewards, such as reduced cost tickets, sponsorship opportunities and the chance to join its exclusive ‘Samphire 100 Club’. Samphire has seen support from almost 200 backers.
The first Samphire Festival will take place from the July 8-10, 2016 on Porlock Hill in Somerset. Located right on the coast in Exmoor National Park, this family-friendly festival will see over 30 different live acts with music from folk, funk, house, techno, ska, reggae, afrobeat, pop, indie, jazz and disco.
Blathwayt commented:
“We’re so excited to be bringing Samphire into the festival mix next year and to be turning our vision into a reality. Our event offers guests the chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy a brilliant weekend with like minded people. We’re so thankful to everyone who has pledged on Crowdfunder and helped us get Samphire off the ground, and we can’t wait to welcome our supporters into our brand new Samphire family”
Phil Geraghty, MD of Crowdfunder, added:
“The Samphire Festival is a brilliant example of what can happen when a crowd unites to make a great idea a reality. We strive to support start-up ideas – and in this case, Crowdfunder enabled the Samphire team to test their market and prove demand – as well as raise funds for what’s set to be an incredible festival. We can’t wait to see it happen in July 2016.”
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