“My live music series Daylight Music is in crisis. At the end of November, I received what couldn’t be more devastating news. Our 3rd attempt at major arts funding was unsuccessful…
…the process for these writing, submitting and re-working and resubmitting applications is exhausting and has taken us on tenterhooks through most of 2025. We now face a big moment for our future, the biggest moment since our 2021 reimagined return across different venues and counties.
This year, our 16th, we’ve delivered a reduced series of events through support we’ve received in our two most recent crowdfunders, which myself and the team are exceptionally proud of. Trying to exist by crowdfunding alone though with all our growing running costs is not sustainable unfortunately.
The only thing I can say will ensure our future for 2026 is probably the impossible. We’ve increased the crowdfunder to a seemingly unattainable £30,000 goal. This reflects what we need to make the 20 events planned across London & Kent happen. Maybe someone out there has some gold buried at the bottom of their garden or have just won the lottery!
Meanwhile on the 13 December we celebrate the 400th Edition. I continue to explore options, but this could potentially be the last event of the series ever. So, it would be lovely to mark what we’ve experienced together with three joyful and soul enriching songwriters, even if just one last time.
I suppose to sum up I’m searching for a Christmas miracle. Without some incredible level of support from within or outside of community the series may not be there when you want or need it, whether as an artist or audience member.
Best wishes,
Ben Eshmade
Arctic Circle / Daylight Music
