THE future of a Hull festival hangs in the balance as organisers struggle to secure enough funding.
Humber Street Sesh, which last year attracted more than 15,000 people, is set to take place on Saturday, August 3.
And although supporters of the grassroots music scene in Hull are digging deep, volunteers say they are still far away from their target.
Mark Page, who started the event last year, said he has thought about giving up.
He said: "Last year we did it on £18,000 but this year it's going to cost us at least £45,000 due to health and safety regulations and security alone is costing nearly £10,000.
"We have some funding in place but we're still short of £20,000 and despite working tirelessly on this since February, I keep hitting my head against a brick wall.
"I'm trying on a 24/7 basis but all I hear is budgets have been cut. With less than five weeks to go it's getting perilously close to me throwing the towel in.
"We gave out over 150 business packs at a bondholders breakfast and the response was great on the day.
"But not one company has been back in touch since, despite follow-up emails.
"It's unbelievable when you think everyone wants the UK City of Culture status.
"The festival is culture to the core featuring 500 local creative people and thousands attending the event."
Mark, who runs the music night The Sesh at Linnet and Lark, in Princes Avenue, is appealing for help from businesses and individuals to donate as much as possible.
A total of £1,000 has been raised through Crowdfunder.co.uk, although more than £7,000 was raised last year on a sister site from donations from the public.
There is still more than two weeks left to collect more funds on the site and word is spreading on Facebook and Twitter as music fans back the festival.
The mission statement for the free event is to "promote and celebrate the excellence and diversity of Hull's creative community."
It aims to "assist in the regeneration and development of the urban cultural quarter based around Humber Street and its surrounding area."
More than 500 people will be involved in utilising existing buildings throughout the Humber Dock area and more than 150 acts have already been booked to perform and more than 40 DJs.
Mark said: "We have a big week ahead and we seriously need urgent help from local writers, fans and students to write up some articles to promote the festival.
"They will get full acknowledgement in the programme and online. We also extended our deadline to secure advertising for the programme and we are looking for sponsorship for a number of stages."
Although the event is still set to go ahead, the team are looking for more support this year and next for the festival's longevity.
As well as live music, the event in August will feature comedy, food stalls, real ale, art exhibitions and a street market.
