We're still collecting donations
On the 13th November 2023 we'd raised £7,525 with 64 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Sunday 19 May 2024: Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village - a free event for everyone featuring 20+ local and professional bands (all paid!)
by Chris Newstead in Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
On the 13th November 2023 we'd raised £7,525 with 64 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
After we reached an initial £2500 of donations, Herts County Council match funded 50% of our overall target amount (£5000 of donations) through their Community Innovation Fund - setting a new target of £7500.
Once we reached this amazing milestone within our first 4 weeks, we chose to leave the Crowdfunder open, and have been able to set a new total target of £12,500 that will enable us to deliver Jazz Steps 2024 for a larger audience (in addition to other funding from the Arts Council England).
As said, we're totally not for profit, and we'll do whatever is necessary to hunt & beg for the amounts needed to make it happen again and for the greatest number of people possible to attend and enjoy. But most importantly we'll never charge anyone to attend Jazz Steps.
Donate now and be a part of a truly special event. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will be instrumental.
Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village is set for Sunday 19 May 2024, creating a celebration of music, community, and showcasing the spirit of togetherness.
It's a day when melodies and grooves fill the air, and is entirely free to attend.
We Need Your Support
Running Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village is no small feat. To make it happen again, we need your support. Here's how you can help:
We'll also be actively seeking other grant funding, as the total cost to run Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village in 2024 is a staggering £19,025.
Your support will make a world of difference.
Why Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village?
Oxhey Village is a special part of our wonderful town and provides lots of different places to eat, drink, relax with family, and hear live music.
We believe that access to high-quality live music is a crucial part of life and we're on a mission to make it accessible to all.
That's why we subsidise all our tickets across our annual festival and offer as many free shows as possible, including every single act that appears at Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village.
The Magic of Jazz Steps
For the last two years Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village has been a resounding success, with more than 30 bands and artists having performed, ranging from grassroots talents to seasoned professionals.
The diverse players cross jazz genres from ska, reggae, and blues, to swing, fusion, and bop, ensuring that there is something for everyone. And we promise even more musical surprises in 2024.
Making It Happen
To create this musical extravaganza, we transform the local Oxhey Village pubs into vibrant performance spaces with professional sound systems.
We take over Watford Heath, installing a top-notch stage with quality sound.
And we bring together scores of dedicated volunteers, professional engineers, and of course amazing musicians - coordinating an entire afternoon's free entertainment to create memorable experiences for all our audiences.
In 2023, more than 3,000 people joined us, and our commitment remains the same - to keep the event open and inclusive for all, especially families.
Who's Behind It?
Jazz Steps is organized solely by the Watford Jazz Junction, a local community interest company that operates entirely on a not-for-profit basis.
We are a passionate group of local people dedicated to enriching our community with the joy of live music across the year, culminating with a 5-day festival every May right across the town.
Jazz Steps is our grand finale and provides an incredible celebration of music and community.
How the Costs Add Up
Our budget covers essential elements including PAs, stage installation, generators, security, fencing, tent hire, professional staff, and, of course, fair compensation for our incredible artists and bands.
We believe firmly, that every artist deserves to be paid for their time and skills.
We also call on our local businesses who are involved to contribute to making this event a reality.
Your support can help us keep the music playing, the community connected, and the spirit of jazz & live music alive in Watford & Oxhey Village.
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