Despite the challenges the organisers have faced, this year’s 10-day festival headliners have included a celebration of Billie Holiday’s music by Lady Sings the Blues, and King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Between 18 to 27 July, 178 performances were scheduled to take place at 103 venues in Sandwell, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull, with more than 95% free to attend.
Singer Veronica Sbergia of Max & Veronica said: “In the music scene we are struggling, we need this kind of event, we need a place where people can gather and feel safe to enjoy music and arts.
“We absolutely need to keep the festival alive.”
Mr Simpson added: “The public’s support and generosity has also been extraordinary. We are inspired by the ordinary folk who make donations, however small, and who write to us telling us how important this festival is to them.”