Let’s make the first-ever Bournemouth Reggae Weekender happen next year.

That’s the message from Afro* Disiac Live Radio CIC, organisers of the not for profit event, which has launched a crowdfunder campaign to raise £10,000.

It’s already taken two years of planning and – when it’s staged from July 3 to 4, 2021 – will be third time lucky.

Ray Nyenje, Joint Event Director, said: “This is the first Reggae in the Park event in Bournemouth.

Lionel Yafele (left) and Ray Nyenje (right) of Afro*Disiac Live Radio promoting July’s cancelled event with Jay Thornton of travel partner Yellow Buses.

“It will be a unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and reggae music adding to the thread that weaves the cloth of ‘togetherness and diversity’ in Bournemouth.

“Originally the event was set to launch in July 2019 but was postponed on the advice of the local authorities following the initial huge response from attendees.

“The event was due to attract over 5,000 people and was based on a free access model.

“We took the advice and scaled the event back, running at a loss and was set to launch on July 4 and 5 this year.

“This was all going well until Covid-19 struck.

“After the government announced the ban on all outdoor events we had to postpone the event to July 2021.

“We’ve already spent over £5,000 on this year’s festival – printing, advertising, marketing, website design, subscriptions, artist fees etc.

“Also more than £5,000 on infrastructure deposits which makes a total of £10,000.

“Some of that can be rolled over to 2021 but much of it can’t be recouped.

“It leaves us with a cashflow problem, especially as we’re also having to refund those ticket-holders unable or unwilling to rollover their tickets to next year.”

“The new dates – July 3 to 4, 2021 – have now been released and we continue full steam with our plans but need your kind support to make this dream come true.

“The event will honour our invaluable NHS staff of the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals during the coronavirus crisis.

“This will be supported and organised by Bournemouth Hospital Charity across Bournemouth,Christchurch and Poole.

“Thanks to our amazing sponsors for their kind support we are still in a position to organise the event.”

Ray said the crowdfunder goal was £10,000.

All the raised funds will be re-invested back into the festival to support artists and boost the local community.

He added: “The postponement has had a substantial financial impact on the festival which will leave us going into 2021 with a significant deficit and with a knock-on impact on the wider community of artists, traders and contractors.

“By launching the event we will be able to offer hope to affected artists, traders and contractors that the event industry will survive.”

A chance to win exclusive rewards in a prize draw are being offered for pledges at any level.

They are:

• £100 of festival vouchers
• Two tickets to Reggae n Rum Sunset Cruises 2021
• Festival customised merchandise
• Reggae music bundle including vinyl & CDS sponsored by VP Records.

To take part in the crowdfunder please click here.

The event is organised by Afro* Disiac Live Radio CIC a not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Bournemouth which aims to provide diverse cultural enrichment to the community in Bournemouth and beyond.

• Dorset Biz News is proud to be one of the backers of Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2021.