MUSIC festival organisers are asking the public to book tickets now to cover their costs and ‘keep the festival alive’.
The team behind Witney Music Festival have revealed they have already had to invest their own money to keep the event afloat but still need more.
Chair of the committee Eric Marshall said: “We have a lot of costs upfront and we are struggling to pay suppliers their advance fees so we need the help of the public.
"Everyone can either buy advance tickets at Rapture record store in the Woolgate Centre or via our Facebook page.
"We really need the support of the public more than ever to help us make this a weekend to remember."
The 16th festival will also be charging a small amount to ensure the event is sustainable and can continue for another 16 years.
The cost is £5 per person per day on Friday and £10 per person per day on Saturday. Under 14s are free.
Mr Marshall added: We are so excited about delivering this for Witney because we have an amazing line-up planned with EMF headlining.
"It's tough pulling this together without a major sponsor or being able to run fundraising events and everyone involved is a volunteer, so we need help from the people of Witney in buying advanced tickets."
Major sponsor Wychwood Brewery has pulled out of sponsoring the festival after five years.
The brewery has been taken over by Carlsberg and its focus is now on national events.
"This has left us with a major issue as they were a big part of the funding behind the festival. Added to this, businesses are struggling on the back of the pandemic so money is not there for sponsorship," said Mr Marshall.
The festival will be on the Leys on June 10 and 11 with local act The Inflatables headlining on Friday with support from cover bands and tribute acts.
Saturday will be headlined by the band EMF who topped the US charts in the 90s with their anthem Unbelievable.
EMF will be supported by original music from Witney acts.
The festival is currently working with the Oxfordshire Music and Arts Trust (OxMAT) to develop a talent pathway.
The coordinated scheme will show youngsters how they can progress in music by linking them with music teachers, fellow musicians and recording opportunities, eventually making it a career.
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