You can decide if Long Division keeps rocking - campaign launched to secure festival

The popular music festival has brought more than 8,000 people to Wakefield.

And more than 450 bands have performed in 25 different venues across the city.

But the festival’s future is in doubt after funding cuts.

Organisers say they now need to raise £6,000 for the festival to take place next year.

Long Division founder Dean Freeman said: “Looking back, I think what Long Division has achieved in five years is amazing.

“There was never a huge plan but it has successfully celebrated do it yourself and independent culture to such an extent that I think it would be disastrous to the city if it disappeared.

“A crowdfunder puts it in the hands of the fans, the local businesses and the artists, the way it was always meant to be.”

Music fans can choose from a variety of packages in return for their support, including performing backing vocals on a live album recording or getting VIP tickets.

Packages are also on available for businesses, including sponsoring the festival’s T-shirts and naming a stage.

The crowdfunding campaign will close on Wednesday, October 21 and it must have raised the full £6,000 for the organisers to receive any of the money pledged.

Northern Irish rockers Ash headlined this year’s Long Division festival in June.

Bands Pulled Apart By Horse, Fat White Family and The Thomas Wilby Gang were among 70 acts who performed on stage at the festival.

To donate, log onto www.crowdfunder.co.uk/longdivision2016.

Long Division festival celebrated its fifth year in June this year.

Hundreds of people packed out venues across the city including The Hop, Wakefield Theatre Royal and The Orangery.

Netherton-born band The Cribs, headlined the festival in 2014, with a sell-out gig at the Unity Works venue.

Other bands who performed on stage include Leeds-based The Wedding Present, Sheffield duo Slow Club, Summercamp, Welsh musician Gruff Rhys and alternative rock-group Bleech.