A crowdfunder organised by the owner Bedford Esquires to secure the future of the iconic music venue during the coronavirus lockdown, has more than doubled its target.
The fundraiser, set up on 27 April, closed at 8pm this evening (Wednesday) at a staggering £50,429.
The total was achieved thanks to pledges from 1,427 supporters in return for merchandise, the chance to have their name immortalised on a mural at the venue and – for a donation of £1,000 – the chance to name the newly-refurbished Room Two.
Read: Esquires’ owner ‘overwhelmed’ as coronavirus crowdfunder smashes target in just six hours
“I’ve run out of words to describe how amazing this Crowdfunder has been for us and how the immediate financial pressure has been taken off the venue,” said Esquires’ owner, Gareth Barber.
“The support from the community has been astounding – we aimed to raise £20K to keep to venue afloat and ended on £50,429, with 1427 supporters, which is just mind blowing.
“This has given us the belief that we can rise stronger than ever and we aim to put every last penny back into improving the venue for the town.
“Making the venue disabled-accessible and installing air conditioning were always beyond us financially, but with this level of support we feel it’s only right to improve the space for everyone.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to all the pledgers and the people who have donated their time and effort to making this happen. You did it.”
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