We've teamed up with Pulse Cargo!

We're thrilled to announce our exciting new collaboration with Pulse Cargo, experts in worldwide freight shipping. This wonderful partnership means Pulse Cargo will now be Corporate Partners, supporting Hat Fair Festival Logistics.

A Strong Partnership for Hat Fair's Future

After learning that Play to the Crowd would no longer receive any core funding for Hat Fair as an Arts Council England NPO (due to geographical rebalancing), we've been actively exploring alternative funding avenues, including reaching out to our local business community.

Having attended the smaller (yet still perfectly-formed!) Hat Fair 2023, Pulse Cargo was moved by the festival's funding needs. Their swift offer of support, driven by their longstanding admiration for the festival, truly highlights their shared commitment to our charity’s mission to delight and unite communities through the power of live performance.

Committed to the community

Our very own Hat Fair Director, Andrew Loretto, speaking on behalf of Play to the Crowd, extends a heartfelt thank you for Pulse Cargo's support, saying, "We're delighted to welcome Pulse Cargo into the Play to the Crowd fold as a supporter of Hat Fair. The company really understands why the festival is so special for Winchester and the UK - plus they are experienced at national and international logistics, which is a major part of our work in bringing artists to the annual event."

Thomas Beesley, Director of Pulse Cargo, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating: “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Play to the Crowd! It’s hugely important to us to give back and be a part of our local community, and this new partnership represents our commitment to supporting organisations carrying out such important work in our local community.

Play to the Crowd do some amazing work in the performing arts, not least Hat Fair, which I have attended many times (and been pulled up as a volunteer on occasion too!). We are honoured to be able to play a (small) part in helping this event continue to be a regular fixture in Winchester."