Though the deadline for a fundraising campaign in support of a music festival nears, its director remains determined to ensure the event’s survival. 

Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival director Colin Thompson returned from a meeting on Sunday with ideas to improve the festival’s finances.

“We’ve come too far and put in far too much work to want to see it go by the wayside,” he said.

The ‘Help BBRMF survive/thrive past 2016’ GoFundMe campaign is about $8000 shy of its $18,000 goal. 

The appeal ends on February 3.

“We are really grateful for the response so far,” Mr Thompson said.

He said the offering of ticketed events was likely to grow in future, and organisers will be more selective with what they decide to underwrite. 

Artist accommodation, the greatest expense, is still likely to be complementary.

“We feel that’s a vital thing because we’re not paying them massive sums of money,” Mr Thompson said.

But he said the need to create income would not come at the expense of the free aspects of the program, which are at its core. 

“Our program started because we wanted people to rediscover the joy of indulging in live music on a local level,” Mr Thompson said. 

“It would be hypocritical to say you can’t come anymore unless you pay.”

The online crowdfunding appeal has been shared almost 1000 times. 

“Each year we get to enjoy numerous fantastic talents providing great entertainment, much of it for free,” one donor wrote.

“This is worth every cent of every donation.”

Mr Thompson sought to reassure the festival’s fans organisers looked forward to achieving the success of the Blues Tram, which rolled through the city at the weekend, “on a much bigger scale.”

“It started as a promotion vehicle and a fundraiser,” he said of the tram.

“Thankfully, it has become the success it deserves to be.”

He said ticket sales and support for the Blues Tram were consistently good. 

“Any money we make goes back into the festival account,” Mr Thompson said.