A pillar of the Leeds music scene has launched a crowdfunding campaign after it lost tens of thousands of pounds worth of musical equipment in the floods which swamped Kirkstall.
Blueberry Hill Studios, a musical rehearsal studio and venue space in Kirkstall Industrial Park, has lost some of its of music equipment and its building was damaged in the Boxing Day floods.
The city’s music community is now appealing for YOUR support.
The studios were set up by Terry Quinn back in 2012 – and a crowdfunding page has been set up by Leeds Music Collective, a group of musicians/producers/designers/music industry people based in Leeds, to try help the popular creative space.
The page has already raised over £1,600 – which is £600 more than its original target. But more money is still needed to help get Blueberry back on its feet.
The Studios are nearly waist height in water. We've saved what we can. Thanks for the offers of help!
— BlueberryHillStudios (@BlueberryHillUK) December 26, 2015
The page states:
“Tens of thousands of pounds worth of equipment has been lost as well as items of sentiment and irreplaceable equipment, owned by the studio, and the musicians who practice at Blueberry Hill. We want to raise funds to help the studio get back on its feet.
“It’s heartbreaking seeing the place underwater, and it would be devastating if this was to be the end of the studio. The guys down there have built a community around the place. Let’s help them.”
Funds will be given to the studio to use as they see fit, whether it is to replace equipment, rebuild, or pass on to the musicians who have lost equipment.
Posting on Facebook yesterday, the Studios said:
“We managed to get to the studio when the water was around mid-shin. By the time we left a few hours later around 6pm the studios were waist high in water and it was no longer safe to be there. The river then continued to rise before peaking close to midnight last night.
“We saved a good amount of our own and other bands’ equipment, so hopefully that gives some of you peace of mind.”
You can donate to the Blueberry Hills Studio page here.
A fundraising concert for Blueberry Hill Studios is being held at Brudenell Social Club on Sunday from 7pm. More details and tickets here.
A clean up of some of the creative spaces in the area was due to be held today by volunteers.