Could Welshpool 1940s Weekend carry on after 2025?
The organiser of Welshpool's 1940s Weekend has said that fundraising efforts have taken a 'massive hit' in the build up to this year's event.
The annual 1940s Weekend held in Welshpool is going through a tumultuous period, as organiser Alan Crowe has said that the 'depleted' committee behind the event have been put under 'strain' to raise enough money.
Mr Crowe said that the committee has had 'no responses' from letters personally addressed to business owners in the town centre asking for sponsorships for the weekend event, which he said costs over £20,000 to stage.
The issues prompted concerns at a recent town council meeting that the 2025 version of the 1940s Weekend would be the last, though Mr Crowe added that he would 'sincerely hope it carries on for more years to come'.
He said: 'At present the focus is on delivering this year's event.
'We have a depleted committee and are seeking more members or volunteers to assist with fundraisers or on the actual weekend.
'It takes over £20,000 to stage the weekend and with some support from Welshpool Town Council and the occasional small grant we have to raise the monies ourselves, which takes up most of our time which should be used making the show better.
'Local businesses are asked to support the event. Obviously not every business will benefit directly but if it's good for the town then it's good for everyone.
'As one former business person said after last year's event: 'there was more people in the town centre on the Saturday than all of the other Saturdays in the year added together'.
'I sincerely hope that it carries on for more years even if someone else takes over the helm. The town needs events like this to boost the economy but they also need funding and the support of businesses and the wider community.'
Mr Crowe added that he is 'constantly' looking for any possible fundraising grants, but as many are aimed at specific social events the Welshpool 1940s Weekend 'sadly doesn't fit the criteria in the majority of cases".
He also added that the event regularly turns down offers from outside catering 'so that the local establishments can reap the rewards', but said that the possibility of outside vendors 'might be something that we will need to relook at for the future".
He added: 'From the outset of starting the event 10 years ago the focus has been on delivering a top event to give the town centre a much needed boost.'
The 2025 Welshpool 1940s Weekend is scheduled to be held from September 26 to September 28.
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