Organisers’ plea to keep Chatsworth Road festival free after funding cuts
Locals at Chatsfest last year - Credit: Archant
Organisers of an annual street party in Chatsworth Road have set up a crowdfunder in a bid to keep the festival free after funding cuts.
The festival is usually funded by small businesses with Hackney Council paying for the road closure.
But this year the town hall has pulled funding and in order to keep the cost at zero, the Chatsworth Road Traders’ and Residents’ Association (CRTRA) have turned to its guests to raise £25,000.
More than 15,000 are expected to attend the event on September 10 and the organisers are asking for a donation of £2 or more.
The festival launched in 2013 after lifelong Clapton local Allan Parker set about recreating an event in the vein of the Hackney Marsh Fun Festival, which ran until 1979.
“We’re thrilled Chatsfest is back for a fourth year,” said Allan. “The festival has been revived with the support from businesses on the street and local residents and we are crowdfunding so we can make it bigger and better than before.”
To donate, visit spacehive.com/chatsworth-road-festival.
