Harrogate's Women on Tap Festival smashes its sponsorship target

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The annual showcase of women in beer and art and, occasionally, music released advanced artwork in early March for the 2021 event in the hope enough financial support would follow to help fund this year's programme of activities.

The team called out for 20 sponsors at £300 to raise enough to deliver an outline plan - and have passed that target in just one month.

Women on Tap Festival founder Rachel Auty said the good news was the perfect way to celebrate the festival's fifth birthday..

She said: "We've been blown away by the offers of support in such difficult times.

"Being honest, we didn't know if WOT had a future at all. Last year we lost all main funding and went ahead with the event on practically zero budget. It felt important to do so.

"This year we want to make sure we can fund the event properly and pay people for their time.

"It's a vital strategy to make sure Women On Tap CIC is a sustainable company so we can deliver on our equality purpose.

"Thank you to everyone who has pledged support so far - we hope to make you proud to be a part of it."

The 2021 Women On Tap Festival will comprise interactive online experiences, specially commissioned digital content, and carefully curated live events, working within whatever the Covid restrictions are at the time.

Rachel Auty said the programming balance was designed to ensure that no-matter what happens at least 2/3 of the festival will be able to go ahead as planned.

The festival is scheduled to take place a little later than usual, in early June.

The team will be making further announcements over the next week, but the plans are to build a delivery team with two paid freelance roles.

There will also be a callout for proposals for creative paid commissions, which will then be released as part of the 2021 festival.

Women On Tap CIC is a Community Interest Company and social enterprise founded in Harrogate in 2017.

It exists to invent and deliver national and international beer equality campaigns and pop-up events that challenge thinking and change minds.

It collaborates with leading bars, breweries and experts to create thought-provoking communications and distinctive and welcoming experiences designed to encourage women to find and further explore their passion for beer.

For news and updates follow @womenontap on social media or visit www.womenontap.co.uk/festival2021

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