A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to ensure a popular festival can go ahead this summer.

The team behind Bridport Folk Festival has launched a Crowdfunder page to cover the up front costs of putting on the event.

Traditionally, the funds are raised by local bands and artists through live concerts and busking at Bucky Doo Square. As this has not been possible over the past year, the team is asking the community to support the festival.

The Crowdfunder campaign has been set up with a target of £2,300.

After being rescheduled on several occasions, the folk festival is currently scheduled for the weekend of August 13 to August 15.

A spokesperson for Bridport Folk Festival said: "This has been a challenging year for everyone, so it’s exciting to see the folk festival is returning this summer. However, this year we need the help of the public

"Due to Covid restrictions, we’ve not been able to raise funds through local bands busking at Bucky Doo.

"As a result of this, we’ve set up a crowdfunding account to raise the money needed to cover the upfront costs and we are asking the local and folk community to support us, as much or as little as they can, so we can bring you a Bridport Folk Festival to remember."

The last Bridport Folk Festival took place in 2019 and saw a variety of performances in Bucky Doo, Millennium Green, Bridport Arts Centre and Electric Palace as well as many other venues throughout the town.

As the three-day festival drew to a close on the Sunday evening, South Street was closed for a full procession of more than 200 dancers.

Organisers said back in February that year's event is expected to be considerably downscaled from previous years.

However, they also stated that the festival will provide the opportunity for dancers and musicians to perform once again - and for residents to enjoy their performances.

To support the event visit ​www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bridport-folk-festival-2021