The latest online festival from the award-winning Folk on Foot podcast has raised £81,519.84 from its crowdfunding appeal and sales of merchandise. Half will go to the charity Help Musicians and the other half will be divided between the 28 artists who took part.

The latest total means that Folk on Foot has now raised an amazing £327,000 for musicians who’ve seen their incomes decimated during the pandemic lockdowns. The podcast’s four online Festivals have been viewed more than 250,000 times on YouTube with highlights podcasts downloaded over 40,000 times and still growing.

Folk on Foot host Matthew Bannister said: “These are astonishing numbers. We’d like to send huge thanks to the thousands of people from around the world who’ve made such generous donations to support the artists who have kept our spirits high during these gloomy times – often while facing their own financial and personal problems. It is also wonderful to see folk musicians selflessly giving their time to raise so much money for their counterparts in all different genres of music.”

The Chief Executive of Help Musicians James Ainscough said: “Every penny donated through this amazing endeavour is a message of hope – reminding musicians that there’s an audience who can’t wait to cheer them on once again. Until live music fully returns, Help Musicians will continue to support professional musicians who are struggling financially; these funds will make such a different to those in need. We couldn’t be more grateful to Folk on Foot and their community of musicians and music-lovers, for their consistent generosity throughout the pandemic.”

A truly remarkable achievement, well done to everyone involved.  

Half the money raised went to the charity Help Musicians, and half to the musicians playing at the festivals.

You can still make a donation to Help Musicians at the link below:

https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/support-our-work/make-a-donation

“What a triumph and wonder of a day!” “This is the folk Live Aid!” “Moving, uplifting and comforting. A massive hug to my ears and eyes”. “Blown away by the talent of all the artists!” “Right now I’m wishing every day could be Folk on Foot Festival day”. “A shining light in lockdown. Thank you, thank you.”

For more information and additional content visit https://www.folkonfoot.com/festival