The Ferret Launches Funding Campaign To Escape Permanent Closure

The Ferret Launches Funding Campaign To Escape Permanent Closure

Mar, 27 2020


~Music is an intrinsic part of life. As adults many of us go the local pub to experience live music from a new or already established musician.

The Ferret on Flyde Road, Preston has been open since 2006. During it’s 14 year reign it’s opened it’s doors to some of the world’s leading singers and bands such as:-

  • Ed Sheeran
  • Blossoms
  • Wheatus.

Gigs planned for this year include A Certain Ratio, The Sherlocks, Evil Blizzard and Dodgy.

The Ferret also champions local bands and up and coming artists. Owners Susan and Gary Culshaw believe  that this  makes it an important cultural venue in the city.

Susan, who has run the venue with Gary for the past 12 months, released these words that many Prestonians can relate to:-

“The Ferret occupies a unique niche in Preston and in people’s hearts. Many people have grown up making music, friends and memories there. Its future was starting to look bright and we had great hopes it could be stabilised financially. Music venues are a labour of love and need dedicated nurturing as they are not profitable and are run more like a charity. As owners, none of us take a payment or salary from the Ferret.”

Sadly, however it’s future could be in jeopardy. Due to the Corona virus outbreak it’s had to temporarily close it’s doors and many musicians are unable to perform there. But, there is hope. The owners are launching a funding campaign and they want to help musicians and technicians who have been impacted by the pandemic.

Susan continues,

“We really need to be able to support our sound techs, retain our loyal staff and promoters so that we can ensure we can rebound with a functioning venue and a dynamic programme. A good part of any funds raised will provide some paid employment to musicians and artists, and also contribute to our maintenance costs as we attempt to ensure that The Ferret has a sustainable bright future”.
Last year the venue began working with local promoter Garry Cook, staging performance and spoken-word events which have seen leading performers from the  following four artists:-

  1. Mike Garry
  2. Louise Fazackerley
  3. Joanne Tremarco
  4. Harry Baker

Susan adds these concluding words of hope of optimism for music fans of the venue,

“The Ferret adds so much to the city’s arts and culture scene – its loss would be a tragedy. We really need to be able to support our artists and sound guys and keep The Ferret operational.

We need The Ferret to stick around and will do everything we can to try and ensure this, but we can’t do it alone and need help. We promise to match any money raised in order to provide an even better resource for Preston.”

If you would like to support The Ferret’s £10,000 crowdfunder, which includes options to receive craft beer delivery, gig tickets, a Ferret t-shirt and gift vouchers, visit the Crowdfunder website.
( https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/theferret)

Keep live music in the heart of the city by signing up to the crowd funder:-

^ Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger.