Emmy GairnA funding shortfall has forced Leed’s much-loved Writing on Air festival to postpone its return until February – but organisers say the creative spirit behind the event remains as strong as ever.
The annual festival, run by Chapel FM Arts Centre and East Leeds Community Radio in Seacroft, is a celebration of local voices and original writing, broadcast on the radio. It invites people from across Leeds to produce their own programmes around a shared theme with this year’s theme being “Thresholds.” Many of the participants will be making programmes for the very first time.
But after not having a major National Lottery grant renewed, Chapel FM has been left facing what organisers describe as a “real squeeze” on all areas of its work. The festival, along with its companion anthology, a printed collection of writing created for the event, has been particularly hard hit.
“Writing on Air has never had its own dedicated funding,” said Peter Spafford, Chapel FM Director of Words, “It’s always been supported from Chapel FM’s overall budget. Losing the grant has meant tightening our belts everywhere, including the festival.”
Rather than cancel the event altogether, Chapel FM has turned to the community it serves. A GoFundMe appeal and a series of small fundraisers, including a literature quiz that raised £350, are helping to cover costs such as marketing, printing, and production. “People have been so generous,” Peter added. “It’s been really encouraging to see how much people value what we do.”
The Writing on Air festival will now take place from 20 February to 1 March 2026, with organisers planning a full programme of live broadcasts, performances and community workshops at Chapel FM.
Despite the funding setback, Peter remains optimistic. “It’s not mortal. It’s not existential,” he said. “We have the building, the community, and strong support across the city. We (Chapel FM) might contract a little, but everything we do will carry on. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
If you would like to donate to Chapel FM and Writing on Air, you can find their GoFundMe at gofund.me/fa6cf66b6 until December 1st.
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