Thanks to 140 generous backers ranging from Australia to the USA, Pembrokeshire’s community arts charity Span Arts raised a fantastic £2,815 through its crowdfunding campaign which closed this week.

The campaign, which was launched on December 1, was established to raise core funds to help Span Arts maintain the current number and variety of acts on its programme, and its low ticket prices.

As a charity, Span Arts has always depended on fundraising, volunteer support, sponsorship and grants to enable it to provide a varied programme at affordable prices.

Span Arts manager, Gwen Watson, is thrilled by the outcome.

“We’re all so touched and grateful for all the donations we received, and the efforts that people have made to help share our appeal,” she said.

“Though we didn’t reach our goal, this money will be a great help in helping us continue to provide a varied programme of high quality events and workshops for the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Donations ranged from £5 to £100, with all backers being up for rewards from the Span Arts team, ranging from back stage passes, hand-made medals and heartfelt sung thank yous.

The money raised will go towards helping Span Arts continue to present a diverse and varied programme of over 60 events per year of live music, comedy, theatre for adults and families and workshops and events at affordable prices.

“This has also been a great way to tell people about Span Arts and the work we do,” explained Gwen. “We’re really proud of the work we do in our community, and this has been a great way of sharing our story.”

If you missed the deadline, but would still like to donate, visit www.spanarts.org.uk.