Guitar festival rescued

THE Lewes International Guitar Festival has been saved from possible cancellation by a surprise anonymous donation.

The popular event, now in its fourth year, had just had its application for Lottery funding refused and faced an uncertain future when the organisers were approached by a supporter.

Concerned that the festival might be scrapped, he immediately offered 5,000 to keep it afloat.

The donation will enable planning to go ahead for the festival, to be held from August 5 to 11, although the organisers still face a 15,000 shortfall on their annual budget and are continuing to look for more sponsors and donors.

'We were all very upset not to get the Lottery grant,' said festival director Laurence Hill. 'The donation came as a complete surprise and we are all bowled over it by it.'

Despite staging a series of sell-out concerts, the festival has never had any regular source of funding.

It has quickly become established as a highlight of the Sussex cultural calendar, featuring artists from around the world playing a range of guitar syles, including flamenco, folk, classical, world music.

The festival has also included free daytime concerts, children's workshops, masterclasses, film and an exhibition of guitars run by the Lewes Guitar Makers group.

l The festival committee's latest concert in Lewes tomorrow (Saturday) at the Subud Centre in Station Street, featuring Antonio Reyes and his flamenco group, has sold out.

Indian group Amrit will be the festival's next show, at the All Saints Centre on June 14.