I've raised £2800 to contribute to Hitchin Mostly Comedy's running costs to help prevent closure.
Organised by David Ephgrave
Story
The pandemic kept Hitchin Mostly Comedy shut for 19 months, which was far longer than we'd envisaged. As we gradually reopen a second time in Spring 2022, sales are so low we're not even breaking even - and funds are fast running out. Meanwhile, our running costs continue, and, before long, we'll be forced to close for good.
Unfortunately, there are multiple reasons for sales to be down at the moment, ranging from money being tight to people's reluctance to attend a gig when Covid numbers are rising. That's understandable, and we need to allow time for confidence/safety to rebuild. But sadly, the loss of an odd booking here and there amounts to a sizeable drop in takings that will soon make our future untenable.
To put that drop into context, we had to pull our thirteenth-anniversary gig in October 2021 with a week to go, as we still needed to double the number of tickets sold in the remaining seven days to cover our costs or sustain a £900 loss (which we can't afford). And that's without considering our ongoing business expenses such as insurance or the rent for our office/storage space.
Add the fact our sound costs have literally tripled since we closed in February 2020, plus we have a venue hire fee to cover, and there's little wiggle room left. And our decreased takings aren't even to do with the Covid restrictions we've introduced, as we're sales are nowhere near our current half-capacity total.
...and a gig costs £800 before we start paying the acts.
We're sorry to ask for your help again, especially when your donations have already saved the club once. But things are make-or-break. And if we can't bolster the kitty to carry us through the next few months, we'll be forced to fold.
All donations will be greatly appreciated. With thanks.
