Bid to kick start annual ‘indie’ festival

LIVERPOOL’S city centre heartland for independent businesses, personalities and culture Bold Street is in the running to receive a £15,000 to help launch an annual festival.

The Liverpool BID Company and the Healthy High Street Partnership, part of the Business in the Community Charity, are shortlisted for an Aviva Community Fund that will go towards developing the Bold Street Festival.

The proposed event will include a street takeover allowing the businesses on Bold Street, which represent more than 50 countries, to showcase their diverse offering.

People are being urged to vote for the ‘Celebrating Bold Street’s Independents’ project before the deadline of midday on Friday November 18.

If successful, the money will see an ‘independent quarter’ brand created as well as a promotional video and additional marketing collateral to help promote the unique businesses in the area.

Local artists will also be supported with opportunities to create, display and perform.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “The Aviva funding is a fantastic opportunity for us to create an event that is really special and will celebrate the thriving independents that Bold Street has become renowned for.

“However it would go beyond just a one-day event. There would be a series of lasting projects across the area to further support the local business community as well as residents.

“We are encouraging anyone who loves this unique part of the city to vote for our project and help us to create a truly special event to give the independents the recognition they deserve.”

It is envisaged that if the £15,000 fund is granted, it will act as a catalyst to unlock over £30,000 of in-kind support, both from the local authority and private partners.

Voting is free and each person has 10 votes to cast.