Wimbledon BookFest has launched a fundraiser in a bid to ensure the future of the festival.

Following the cancellation of this years event, Wimbledon BookFest has launched a public appeal to help fund cultural events after the pandemic.

The book festival has seen best selling authors and entertainers such as; Adam Kay, Kate Atkinson, Graham Norton and Harry Hill take the stage at Wimbledon Common over the years.

Over 32,000 people participated in the book festival last year, with more than, 100 local sixth formers and members of the general public volunteering as stewards.

Being a registered arts and education charity, means any profits made are put towards funding.

Wimbledon Bookfest speak to Wimbledon Times in the hopes of boosting donations.

Festival Director, Fiona Razvi, says: “Our spirits have been really lifted by the donations and messages of support we’ve received from the public.

"We still have some way to go to raise the funds that we need to continue, but the communities of Wimbledon and Merton have told us quite clearly that they value what the festival brings to the area and want us to go on.

We very much hope that we will be here for them, providing a cultural offering to look forward to this autumn and in the longer term.

Speaking about how the pandemic has affected staff, Fiona Razvi, added: "Like most arts organisations we don't have cash reserves to fall back on.

"Overheads have been completely stripped back with our team now working on reduced or no pay.

"We're applying to the limited funding sources available to the arts, but we still need to raise around £25k to keep going beyond Covid-19."

The BookFest team are currently developing an alternative model to the book festival, with partners including Merton Libraries, University of Roehampton, publishers and authors.

To donate, visit at: https://www.wimbledonbookfest.org/Sponsors/Donate.aspx