YCAT Hardship Fund

Inevitably this is a particularly difficult time for performers who will be losing their main source of income and we have been worrying about the impact on the artists. According to the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT), over the past week, just between now and end of April, the total roster of YCAT artists could have lost up to around £60,000 in income. YCAT have made a contribution to them all and we have already made a donation to them of £1,000 from our own reserves.

YCAT have set up a specific campaign for the artists so that people can give to a hardship fund that will be distributed directly to them. If anyone feels able to contribute any amount, no matter how big or small, it will be such an incredible boost to help minimise hardship. The link to the fund is

https://www.ycat.co.uk/appeal/covid-19-hardship-fund

It is only with the support and generosity of societies and individuals that YCAT is able to continue helping and supporting these wonderful young musicians, many of whom we have enjoyed in Weston.

With all this in mind some of our wonderful supporters have purchased Season tickets for the Spring 2020 concerts. We are happy to reimburse the unused part of your season ticket, £24, charging you for just the one concert. To reclaim the money please e-mail us at westonconcerts@gmail.com If you feel able to do so we are happy to donate this amount on your behalf to the YCAT hardship fund, just e-mail us on the link above to confirm your decision.

During this difficult period when the arts can play such an important role in keeping our spirits lifted there are many ways to engage with music; this article in The Guardian provides links to a fantastic range of archived concerts and live-streamed events which you can access from the comfort and safety of your home for free. If you have come across any other resources such as these which you think are worth sharing, please let us know and we can help to spread the word!

We wish all our members and followers the very best during this difficult time and hope that everyone manages to stay safe. We look forward to seeing you all back at our concerts in Weston as soon as possible.