SAFE launches virtual festival to raise funds for crew members

The DreamStream festival, which will run from 24 to 26 April, is a partnership between SAFE and Pick n Pay’s Feed the Nation relief fund. It seeks to support professionals who work in live events sector.

The virtual event can be accessed here for free and viewers are encouraged to donate here.

DreamStream will feature 33 artists including Goldfish, Floyd Lavine, Kyle Watson, Lady Lea, Kid Fonque, Jazzuelle, Headroom and Culoe De Song.

The festival will also offer viewers DreamCamps where they can privately enjoy music via Zoom with up to 500 friends and family members. The platform has video conferencing, which allows viewers to hang out, dance and have fun. Proceeds will be channelled to SAFE and the beneficiaries will include cleaners, security guards, stage coordinators, riggers and technical staff who are often hired on an hourly basis.

“In just 24 hours since we announced, we have received more than 1 500 relief applications to feed 11 000 people,” SAFE said.

SAFE member and Howler South Africa co-founder Steve Cuzen said: “Each rand donated will go towards a voucher scheme, where each voucher to the value of R600 will help feed a family of five for a month by providing them with a basket of food and hygiene essentials.”

SAFE is also working with event supply chain companies to identify those in need and deliver the vouchers via their employers or former employers. Employers of event supply chain companies are encouraged to apply for their current or former employees to help manage the process.

Cuzen also called on the Department of Arts and Culture, corporates and South Africans to donate towards the cause.

For more information about the DreamStream festival and how to apply for funding, visit the SAFE official website.