The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has today announced further funding to comedians and promoters affected by the non-payment of ticket money from Big Difference Company, the charity behind the annual Leicester Comedy Festival. £6,000, raised from donations to a crowdfunding campaign, has been awarded to 14 individuals and organisations. These awards are in addition to the 19 awards made previously this year.
The latest grants from the LCF Hardship Fund brings the total amount awarded by the LCA to in excess of £10,000 to 33 people owed money from Big Difference Company. Demand for financial support massively out stripped the money raised from donations and the LCA have confirmed the total applications this second round was for almost £70,000.
All the recipients of grants have been asked to remain anonymous but some of the successful applicants have said:
“We really appreciate being awarded some of the grant money. Thank you, and please pass on our thanks to others.”
“Thanks so much for all your hard work with this difficult situation!”
“I am incredibly grateful for the support from the Live Comedy Association”
“Thanks again to you and the team for all your support, it is really appreciated and the work you are all doing to help support artists is amazing.”
“The relief when i received this email was huge so thank you”
Jessica Toomey, Director of Live Comedy Association, said “the total amount owed by Big Difference Company is a staggering £250,000 and we recognise the available funds are only able to support a fraction of people owed money. However, we know the support we have been able to provide is making a real difference to people affected. This latest support fund is in addition to past money we have raised and distributed to people working in live comedy and brings the total amount to almost £100,000. This figure includes money from the SaveLiveComedy fund set up during the pandemic.
“The LCA is largely powered by volunteers and time donated by passionate people working in live comedy. If people are able to donate to the Stand Up And Give Fund the money will enable us to continue to support the grassroots live comedy sector across the UK.”
Stand Up And Give: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/stand-up-give