Leeds’ underground festival Metal Fringe has been cancelled for this year and seemingly for good.
The festival, which started in 2011 before taking a break last year, was due to return in August this year and provided a great showcase of unsigned metal bands from Yorkshire and further afield across three days. Not only that, it also raised money for Martin House Children’s Hospice which looks after seriously ill children and young people in the region.
Organiser Shortie says: “It’s with a really heavy heart that I announce that we are calling it a day with Metal Fringe. Chris and I have thought long and hard about this year’s event, and there are many contributing factors leading to our decision. Firstly, Empire was where it all started and since they closed down we haven’t been able to find a venue that would suit our requirements.
“We thought about running MF2014 with two venues, but realised that trying to run the festival in two locations would have become a logistical nightmare. Also, unfortunately, the music that we love, the scene that we absolutely cherished has become really popular (Which of course is AWESOME), but unfortunately would have an adverse effect on our 3-day event, which would mean not being able to raise as much money for Martin House, and more than likely would lead to us running the event at a financial loss; this is something that Chris and I cannot afford to fund by ourselves.”
Numerous people who helped make Metal Fringe 2011 and 2012 a success are thanked, as well as those who attended and donated to Martin House.
The festival may be gone but you can still donate to Martin House Children’s Hospice via their website here.
And of course stick with ZT for the best in new extreme music!
