Organisers behind one of Sheffield’s most beloved community arts festivals fear the event may not go ahead this year unless they can fundraise £5,000 by Friday.
Peace In The Park first evolved 19 years ago from grassroots protests against war, and has since become “a real community event” that brings people of all ages together for a day music, arts and advocating for world peace.
But after the pandemic has made it difficult for fundraising to go ahead, the entirely free and volunteer run event is now at risk of being cancelled this year.
Volunteer Marketing and Fundraising Assistant, Roxie Rho, 35, said: “We need to make this money in a week, or it’s just not going to happen.
“It’s unreal the amount it (Peace In The Park) touches you and the difference it makes, it’s all free and It’s just a heart-warming and lovely day and I think we do need that right now.”
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The Peace In The Park team currently have £5,200 in funds for the festival, but the festival cannot go ahead unless they hit their goal of £10,000 by Friday the first of April.
Overall, the event costs only £25,000 to run, with artists, performers and bands all performing at the event for free.
The organisers expect the additional £15,000 to come from fundraisers and grants and the money raised will cover the essentials for the day including toilets, sound systems, generators and marquees.
The festival draws in crowds of up to 10,000 people and organisers behind the event feel that in light of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, it’s more important now than ever before to hold the event.
Volunteer Production Coordinator, Hope Cook, 26, said: “I think everyone coming together after 2 years of the pandemic and now a war, to collect together to promote peace and have a good day is going to be paramount to people’s mental health’s and reconnecting us.”
Image by Tim Dennell
The team are also looking for volunteers to assist on the day of the event if their fundraising efforts turn out to be successful.
Their next big fundraising event, Peace in the Dub Shack, will take place on Friday the 1st of April at Sidney & Matlida. The night will consist of reggae, dub and dancehall and tickets will cost £7
Talking on the festivals impact in Sheffield, Roxie added: “It really does feel like the heart of Sheffield, it’s lovely to go somewhere and not just see the same people and music, you get to see everybody from all parts of Sheffield.”
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You can find out more about their upcoming Fundraiser, Peace in the Dub Shack on Instagram.
