Music festival to support YMCA residents over winter

Formerly homeless residents living in Nottinghamshire YMCA’s supported housing are set to benefit from a charity fundraiser being hosted by The Playwright in Nottingham city centre this month.

Previously known as The Orange Tree, The Playwright pub’s annual ‘Festival 38’ extravaganza will see businesses and supporters come together on 12-13 October for a weekend of music, local talent, food, craft stalls and raffles.

A full programme of musical performances by local artists ranging from Towers to Soft Girls and Boys Club will run from 2.30pm-11pm on Saturday 12 October at the venue on Shakespeare Street. A family-focused activities fun day will then follow on Sunday 13 October, featuring an arts fair, an afternoon of acoustic jams and a range of local arts stalls including vintage clothing, jewellery and prints.

Entry is free, but all donations will go towards supporting Nottinghamshire YMCA charity’s residents during winter as they rebuild their lives after homelessness. Each stall has also pledged to donate a gift to the raffle, and the winner will be announced at the end of the weekend.

“We hope Festival 38 will empower local musicians from Nottingham and Leicester to bring together their creativity in support of this great cause,” said Nicole Wignall, Sales and Events Manager at The Playwright.

“There is a huge amount of local talent in our communities, and what better way to celebrate that talent than to unite under a banner of social responsibility and ensure every Nottinghamshire YMCA resident feels valued at Christmas.”

Nick Clements, Housing Operations Manager at Nottinghamshire YMCA, added: “We are incredibly grateful to The Playwright for choosing to support our residents this winter. While many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends over the festive period, Christmas can be a stressful, isolating and lonely time for many of the individuals we support.

“Festival 38 is a fantastic way of encouraging local people and businesses to think about ways we can all work together to improve the lives of our community’s most vulnerable members. Thank you to everyone involved in the planning of this fantastic event!”

So come along to The Playwright at 38 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham city centre, for a weekend of fun, food and fundraising!

We hope to see you there!