2020 began on a high for charity music festival Beat the Streets when Jake Bugg took to the Rock City stage to headline the one-day, multi-venue festival, which raised £75,000 for Framework. But with the physical festival on hold, and the number of rough sleepers increasing, DHP Family have reimagined 2021’s festival for a post-COVID world…
Launched in 2018, the annual Beat the Streets festival has raised close to £250,000 for Framework Housing Association, funding vital services and allowing the charity to expand their team. Proceeds from the previous events – made via ticket sales, merchandise, collection buckets and the coveted tombola – enabled the charity to keep their Sneinton Hermitage shelter open all year round, and saw them employ two mental health workers as part of a new initiative to provide help to rough sleepers who may struggle to access mainstream services.
The music industry was dealt a devastating blow by the pandemic, but with new lockdown restrictions having a profound effect on communities across the country, the sad truth is that fundraisers like Beat the Streets are needed now more than ever – due to the economic distress that many individuals and families are experiencing, Framework has seen a rise in the number of new groups arriving on the streets.
But the festival’s team are determined not to let COVID stop them. Last month, Beat The Streets announced the launch of their ambitious Winter Fundraiser, an online campaign which will replace the physical festival for 2021. First up, members of the DHP Family embarked on a sponsored fundraising challenge, with teams aiming to collectively walk or run the distance between Rock City and DHP’s Bristol venue, Thekla, spanning 140 miles. After smashing their initial goal in just over ten days, the team have travelled 842 miles and, at the time or writing, had nearly reached their target of £10,000.
The yearly sell-out tombola has also inspired an online raffle, which will offer a substantial selection of prizes from venues, restaurants and organisations from around the city. With tickets starting at just £5, you could be in with the chance of winning gig tickets and vouchers for Rough Trade, Rescue Rooms and the Bodega, meals at Annie's Burger Shack and the Pudding Pantry, a piece of the Rock City Floor or even a goodybag of treats from yours truly. A further set of premium rewards will also be on offer via a Crowdfunder, where givers can pledge set amounts to win exclusive prizes, such as Splendour Festival VIP Treatment, free gigs for a year, a custom commissioned portrait and more.
With the campaign set to run until the end of January, DHP Family are encouraging their partner organisations – which in the past have included local music organisations Rough Trade, I’m Not From London and Hockley Hustle – and the local artists who should have been taking to one of their many stages to get involved in the fundraising efforts too, so keep your eyes peeled for more ways you can help ensure Framework continue to benefit from Nottingham music-minded communities.
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