Volunteer call-out for Birr Vintage Week

The issue of manpower will be a huge factor as to whether or not this year's 42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival will take place this coming August. At the recent AGM, although there was lots of positive feedback about last year's event, the lack of new members joining the committee was highlighted as a serious issue. For the past number of years the core committee has been made up of just 12 people, and although groups and individuals contribute through fundraising or volunteering, the meeting heard that this was not enough to run and man all the events that have come to be expected during the Festival Week. The existing committee is very dedicated and committed to continuing the festival tradition and each member has pledged to volunteer once again for 2010; the secretary, PRO, treasurer, parade coordinator, their assistants and all those who give their time from March to August every year have their job descriptions and are enthusiastic about seeing their list of tasks through. A co-ordinator is required to oversee the festival - somebody with good leadership, communication and organisational skills to lead this group of keen volunteers and ensure that the 2010 Festival is a reality. New input is needed to ensure the continued vibrancy of the celebrations and as ever, more people are always needed on the ground to run errands and the committee welcomes even just a few hours of your time. Last year's extremely generous financial support from local sponsors was gratefully acknowledged at the AGM, as were the donations raised from fundraisers and grant aid, but the reality of the forthcoming year is that with the financial constraints being faced by individuals and businesses, raising the necessary funds is going to be hugely challenging. However on the other hand, statistics have proved that the town sees an increase in footfall during festival week from both visitors and locals and should Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival not go ahead it would have a negative economic knock-on effect in the town. Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival cost approximately €60,000 to run last year. The festival parade cost around €15,000, the fireworks display around €5,000, the donkey derby and gig rig €3,500 and visual arts €4,000. The insurance costs for the week were almost €3,000 and other costs associated with marketing, advertising, printing, postage, street theatre, workshops, performance fees and general expenses. This figure of €60,000 in 2009 was greatly scaled back from the previous year and the attempt to reduce that even further could result in a massive curtailment of events that have become synonymous with the festival. It is sincerely hoped that the 42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival will take place in August, however this will depend entirely on the response the committee receives. If you would like to get involved, or would like to discuss this further please contact Emma Nee Haslam on 086 6024432 or Janine Wilson on 087 2071258.