Party in the Parc in Peril !!

One of the most popular local events in the summer calendar - St. Asaph’s ‘Party in the Parc’ is in danger of being cancelled due to cash flow difficulties brought about by restraints on grant aid.
Organiser Mike Jones of MJM Agency and members of the City of Music Group met last week to discuss possible solutions to the problem and the Town Council, at an earlier meeting, agreed to allow tickets for the event to be sold in advance to try to help the situation.
Increased costs due to licensing and crowd control requirements added to a severe reduction in the grant aid currently available mean that the City of Music are only able to underwrite the event to the tune of £1000.
Staging the event costs in excess of £10,000 and, although the organisers feel confident that advance ticket sales and other income from advertising and site rentals would cover the costs, committing to such expenditure without a sufficient financial cushion poses an unacceptable risk.
The hugely popular event, which in the past has covered its costs and allowed for a substantial donation to St. Kentigern Hospice, has attracted in the region of 3000 visitors each year and proved itself to be the major event of the summer, attracting families and music fans while providing a stage for many up and coming young musicians and a great fun day for all.
Cadwyn Clwyd, one of the main fund providers assisting the City of Music programme of events in past years, has been hit by financial restrictions and will not know what monies they will have available, if any, until too late to support ‘Party in the Parc’ this year.
The organisers are now seeking the support of local businesses and individuals who would be prepared to underwrite part of the expenditure. Given good advance ticket sales and a fair wind, underwriters would not be called upon to put their hands in their pockets but, having their goodwill and support, the organisers would be confident to go forward and ensure that, once again, ‘Party in the Parc’ provides a really good day out for all the family.
Scheduled to take place on July 19th on Roe Plas, tickets for the event will be on sale at Jacob’s Ladder from May 29th at £5 per adult with Senior Citizens and under 15’s paying just £1 - if support can be found to back the event and lift the burden of risk off the organisers. Potential underwriters prepared to offer a financial safety net should contact Mike Jones 01745 583259 or ­ ( e.mail mike@mjmagency.) A major underwriter could benefit from advance and on site publicity or even with the event being staged in their name. All support will be warmly welcomed to secure the success of the event for 2008, keep St. Asaph on the music map and bring enjoyment to all those who look forward to the annual event as one of the highlights of the summer season.