The Blessing of the Beasts 4

Aim: The aim of the project is to create a fantastic and memorable event on Whitstable Beach, celebrating our friends in the animal kingdom.

During the pandemic I realised what an important role our pets play in our lives, offering us unconditional companionship and helping us feel connected in a fractured world.  This event was conceived during that time, and the first fully-funded Blessing of the Beasts took place in 2021.  This was followed by another successful event the following year, funded by the Lottery Community Fund.  Unfortunately in 2023 I  couldn't secure funding but thanks to everyone's generosity I managed to raise my total via  Crowdfunder for 2024. This year I am hoping to do the same as I have (very disappointingly) been turned down for Arts Council Funding. So, once again, I'm inviting anyone that would like to attend, or just support the event, to make a donation towards the production costs, equipment hire and artiste's fees.

The Blessing of the Beasts is a magical,participatory community event - unique to Whitstable, and my long-term aim is to make it an annual event. Everyone is welcome to participate, and I shall be running free workshops leading up to the event, for people to make celebratory icons of their pets (living and dead) for the Pet Shrine.

Here is the digital collage ('Sea Bird' (small) that makes up the £40 pledge rewards:

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 14th August 2025 at 3:12pm