One of the main tasks for the festival organising committee is to arrange finance for the festival. The costs run into tens of thousands of pounds, and we have no fixed income. We have a couple of experts who approach various bodies which give grants for various projects, and over the years we have always been successful in raising the necessary funding. The festival has always been put on as freely available community based event, with little cost being passed on to the public. Even the workshops, which have been charged for, are provided at a very small cost. The average lantern costs over £40, and usually needs two workshop sessions to produce. The entry fee is usually about £1.50 per session, so you can see that the cost is £40, and the charge is only £3.
In 2008, we have decided to try to raise some cash at the procession on the Saturday night. We will be selling light sticks which glow in the dark for £1 each, and also be holding a bucket collection. We hope that everyone will buy at least one light stick, or throw a coin or two into one of the buckets that will be carried by some of our stewards.
