Breaking news: Arts Fresco cancelled for this year
The Arts Fresco parade making its way along Harborough's High Street during the 2011 event. (Mail picture by Andrew Carpenter/001345-13)
CUTS in grant funding have put the brakes on Harborough’s popular Arts Fresco event.
The director of the street arts event Hazel Cook made the announcement tonight (Monday) that the 2013 extravaganza will not be going ahead.
She said that despite the organising committee’s plans for the festival meeting stringent criteria and the substantial support pledged by Harborough businesses, there is insufficient arts funding available to run it this year.
The last full-scale event, which has attracted crowds of up to 20,000 people, was held in 2011.
In its press release, the committee says it is disappointed but has been overwhelmed by the support shown in the district to its ‘Show Your Love’ appeal and it is now putting together a fresh plan to relaunch the event for 2014.
Hazel Cook said: “Arts funding is always difficult to secure and the latest round of cuts has forced many difficult decisions. However, thanks to the support of local volunteers and encouragement from Market Harborough’s business community, the board is now aiming to bring the event back in 2014.
“Arts Fresco is funded by three main income streams: public/lottery funding, local business sponsorship and the income we earn as a result of selling tickets and programmes. We hope that by securing an early agreement for a 2014 event we can ensure the future of this popular highlight in the town’s annual calendar.”
Story by Alex Blackwell
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Weather for Harborough
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
